Persistent Russian attacks on energy facilities are causing a series of blackouts across Ukraine as the severe winter season approaches.

According to Reuters and other sources on the 6th (local time), the Russian military stated that it used a FAB-3000 glide bomb overnight to attack a power plant near the Sumy region in Ukraine.

Weighing 6,600 pounds (approximately 3,000 kilograms), this bomb is known to be the most powerful weapon in Russia's arsenal.

Due to overnight Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, electricity was cut off in seven Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv, on the morning of this day.

Ukrainian authorities stated, "The situation is most difficult in the capital region," adding, "Power facilities have been severely damaged, forcing us to restrict operations."

Blackouts have continued across Ukraine recently due to Russia's targeted attacks on the country's energy facilities.

On the 3rd, power plants and substations in nine Ukrainian regions, including Odesa, suffered massive attacks, resulting in both power outages and water supply disruptions.

Kyiv's centralized water supply system cannot operate its pumps to supply tap water to homes and businesses if the electricity supply is cut off.

Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to resume peace talks around the 10th to 11th, but no signs of easing tensions have been detected.

Many observers note that it remains uncertain whether the talks will make progress, especially as difficult issues such as the territorial dispute over the Donbas region persist.

Russia maintains its stance that it will continue using military force until it secures the Donbas region, while Ukraine is standing firm, refusing to give up its territory.

As suspicions of hybrid terrorism—such as airplane bomb threats and refrigerator hacking—have recently emerged in Europe, voices are growing louder that the European Union (EU) should also actively participate in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

According to AFP, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently sent a letter to Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, renewing her call for the appointment of an EU special envoy to dialogue with Russia.

Criticizing Europe's response to Russia as disorganized, Meloni urged, "We need to make a final decision on who will sit at the negotiating table to represent the EU."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)