Russia Sacks Top General After Failed Assaults; Kyiv Faces Severe Blackouts

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a top general following a series of failed offensive operations, according to state media. General Vadim Shamarin, the chief of the army's main communications directorate, was removed from his post. He is the fourth high-ranking military official to be dismissed in recent weeks. The shake-up comes as Russian forces continue assaults in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the city of Kharkiv. These attacks have made limited gains at a high cost in personnel and equipment, analysts say. Meanwhile, Ukrainian capital Kyiv is experiencing its most severe energy crisis since the war began. Russian missile and drone strikes have severely damaged the city's power generation ring. Officials have introduced extended emergency blackouts. Residents face hours without electricity daily, impacting homes and critical infrastructure. The twin developments highlight a war of attrition. Russia reorganizes its military leadership after costly battles, while Ukraine struggles to protect its energy grid from systematic attack.