Nov 9, 2026, 06:30 PM UTC

Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine's energy grid over the weekend have left hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity across eastern regions.

According to Ukrainian authorities and grid operator DTEK, critical energy infrastructure sustained extensive damage. The disruptions affect more than 600,000 people in the Dnipropetrovsk region and roughly 250,000 in Kharkiv, intensifying concerns over heating and water access as winter temperatures drop. Additionally, the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was forced onto emergency diesel generators to preserve reactor cooling systems after losing connection to external power.

Russia's Ministry of Defence acknowledged targeting Ukrainian energy facilities alongside a commercial vessel. Emergency repair crews are attempting to stabilize the regional network and restore power supplies.

Sources: France24, La Tribune, Libération, ORF, Tagesschau

Over 480,000 registered voters in Serbia participated in national minority council elections to select representatives across culture, education, and language rights following the recent parliamentary defeat of former president Aleksandar Vučić's ruling party.

The vote took place as political figures and commentators called for reviews of state security agencies following allegations of widespread wiretapping targeting journalists and public venues. Dejan Šoškić, a former central bank governor, stated that the political transition allows Serbia to rebuild regional relations, particularly with Montenegro. However, post-election tension remains high after video footage surfaced showing Vučić warning prosecutors, police officers, and student activists that "everyone will answer."

Sources: Danas, Index, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Russian overnight drone and missile strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure left more than 850,000 consumers without power in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions. Electrical operator DTEK and local authorities introduced emergency cutoffs and scheduled stabilization blackouts to maintain grid integrity as Ukraine faces severe winter conditions.

In Odesa, local officials confirmed one fatality alongside damage to key infrastructure, while a drone strike in Kharkiv triggered a localized fire. Further strikes targeted an industrial facility in the Kremenchuk district of the Poltava region, though no injuries were reported. In Russia, local officials stated that a highway bridge spanning the Mius River sustained damage. Ukrainian officials have renewed calls for residents and businesses to restrict electricity consumption during ongoing repair efforts.

Sources: Adevărul, HotNews, Moldova1, TV8, Ziarul de Gardă.

Ahead of US-mediated trilateral talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Berlin can no longer supply Patriot air defense systems to Kyiv. The diplomatic push in the United Arab Emirates coincides with separate coordination sessions between Ukrainian negotiators, representatives from the E4 group—comprising France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom—NATO, and the European Commission.

On the ground, a Russian attack targeted infrastructure in Odesa, killing one person, according to local military administrators. Separately, French politician Marine Le Pen declined an invitation to visit Kyiv for meetings with Ukrainian leadership. Meanwhile, in Moscow, presidential adviser Elena Yampolskaya proposed banning pizza from school canteens, citing health concerns and describing Italy as an unfriendly nation.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom will represent European interests in upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi regarding the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, according to reporting by Le Monde. The E3 nations will send senior diplomatic advisers, including Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic chief at France's Élysée Palace.

These diplomatic developments coincide with ongoing military preparations by European allies. Led by London and Paris, 2,800 troops from 11 nations are conducting exercise "COALITION 26.2" across Poland, France, and Turkey. The training aims to prepare forces for potential post-conflict deployment to support Ukraine's economic recovery and military rebuilding, though observers note any future deployment remains contingent on peace agreement terms.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Klix, N1, Vijesti