Zaporizhzhia Region Faces Blackout Due to Ukrainian Shelling

Blackout in Zaporizhzhia Region

On Tuesday, Yevgeny Balitsky, the governor appointed by Moscow for the Zaporizhzhia region, reported that the area has experienced a complete blackout following shelling by Ukrainian forces. The attacks reportedly damaged crucial high-voltage infrastructure in the northwestern section of Zaporizhzhia.

Balitsky stated that the entire region is without power. However, reports from a Russian news agency indicated that the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia remains operational and has not been affected, continuing to function under Russian oversight. This situation arises amidst escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukrainian special forces conducting coordinated strikes in territories controlled by Russia to undermine their position.

According to the news agency, the power outages resulting from the Ukrainian drone attacks have impacted around 100,000 residents in the Kherson region. In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced via social media that both sides have reached an agreement to exchange prisoners. He mentioned, "After the Bucharest Nine and Nordic countries summit, I spoke with journalists and shared some details of today’s negotiations with the Russians in Istanbul: an unconditional ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners, the return of children, and, importantly, the return, not exchange, of civilians. Then comes a leaders-level meeting."

Zelenskyy further elaborated, "Regarding a leaders' meeting, the Russians believe this could be arranged by the end of this month or early next month. However, they do not foresee a ceasefire occurring anytime soon. According to them, they are prepared for a brief 2-3 day ceasefire solely to recover their deceased from the battlefield. I find this foolish, as the essence of a ceasefire is to prevent further loss of life. This indicates their mindset; for them, it’s merely a temporary halt in the conflict."

Negotiations and Future Meetings

After the conclusion of the Bucharest Nine and Nordic countries summit, I spoke with journalists and shared some details of today’s negotiations with the Russians in Istanbul: an unconditional ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners, the return of children, and, importantly, the…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 2, 2025