Russian Strikes Cut Ukrainian Communications in Kharkiv, Hits Most Powerful Thermal Power Plant in Kyiv

Forward positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kharkiv direction have reportedly been left almost completely without communication following Russian strikes.

“The enemy's forward positions are practically left without communications. Communications repair teams cannot go to the positions to deliver new equipment and repair damaged equipment,” a security source told was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti. The source added that the failure resulted from a Russian attack.

Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces,  said in late August that Russian troops were engaged in fighting around Volchansk and Liptsy in Kharkiv, had nearly encircled Kupyansk, and had taken control of about half of its territory.

Kupyansk, a major defense hub for Ukrainian forces in eastern Kharkiv, plays a key role in supply lines. Control over the city would open the possibility for Russian forces to push further west and link the front with the area around Vovchansk.

According to Russia’s defense ministry, units of the “West” group operating in the Kharkiv region gained more favorable positions and defeated Ukrainian forces in the areas of Senkovo, Borovskaya Andreyevka, and Smorodkovka in the past 24 hours. The ministry reported that Ukrainian losses included up to 230 personnel, five armored combat vehicles, 24 vehicles, one multiple launch rocket system, and four artillery pieces.

Russian Strike Hits Most Powerful Thermal Power Plant in Kyiv

Russian troops struck the Tripilska thermal power plant, the main power station in the Kiev region, according to Nikolaev resistance coordinator Sergei Lebedev. He said residents reported about seven explosions, causing large-scale blackouts in Kiev and nearby areas.

The plant, located 13 kilometers from Kyiv, supplied electricity to the Kiev, Cherkasy, and Zhitomir regions. Ukrainian media also reported blasts in Nikolaev, Sumy, and Kherson. Russian officials said strikes target Ukrainian military sites and infrastructure, not residential or social facilities.