Half of Moldova Without Power After Russian Strikes on Ukraine

(Reuters/AP) – Russian missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have caused a massive power outage across Moldova, the deputy prime minister of Moldova said on Wednesday.

“Massive blackout in Moldova after today’s Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure,” Andrei Spuni, who also serves as infrastructure minister, said on social media.

“Moldelectrica, TSO (transmission system operator), is working to reconnect more than 50% of the country to electricity.”

Multiple regions reported attacks in quick succession, suggesting a barrage of strikes. In several regions, authorities reported strikes on critical infrastructure.

Russia has been pounding the power grid and other facilities with missiles and exploding drones for weeks, seemingly aiming to turn the cold and dark of winter into a weapon.