Zaporizhzhia Hit, Odesa in Dark: Russian Strikes Wound Dozens and Cut Power

Russian missile strikes hit the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Sunday, December 18. Local officials report at least 35 people were wounded. The attack damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. Emergency services worked at the scene. Separately, the port city of Odesa suffered a major power outage. Russian strikes on energy networks caused the blackout, which officials describe as the longest of the war. Ukrainian military reports also indicate intensified combat along the eastern frontline. Fighting is particularly heavy near the city of Bakhmut. These events come as Russia continues a campaign of targeting Ukrainian energy facilities during winter. The tactic aims to disrupt heat and electricity for civilians.