Blackouts hit Ukraine as Putin raids escalate

ROLLING blackouts remain in place in parts of Ukraine after Russia escalated its attacks on power stations and infrastructure with waves of missiles and drones.

- Tony Whitfield

President Volodymyr Zelensky called for more air defence systems to protect the country's energy sector and accused the Kremlin of ecological terrorism by targeting hydro and thermal power plants.

He said: "Ukraine urgently requires additional air defence systems and missiles.

"We need a strong and reliable air shield over Ukraine to protect people not only in our country but also in the rest of Europe and around the world from Russian terror."

In a video address, he also called for an increase in the supply of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine's "current and upcoming actions".

He noted: "We are well aware of what Russia is preparing for. They are obsessed with war and will not stop themselves."