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KYIV – Ukraine's energy officials announced that on November 18, all areas in Ukraine will face temporary limits on electricity usage. This comes after Russia carried out one of its most extensive air assaults targeting the country's energy systems.

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On November 17, Ukrenergo announced that power outages would take place from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. while teams worked diligently to fix the damage caused by the attacks "as swiftly as they can."

"The Energy Ministry announced that every region must implement measures to limit consumption. These temporary restrictions come as a result of the damage caused to power infrastructure during a large-scale missile and drone assault today."

Ukrenergo announced that two staff members working at one of its substations lost their lives due to Russian strikes on the morning of November 17.

In the early hours of November 17, Russia conducted extensive airstrikes on Ukraine, according to Kyiv's foreign minister. Drones and missiles were aimed at energy facilities and various civilian locations throughout cities nationwide, leading Poland to deploy fighter jets in response.

"Russia has carried out one of its biggest aerial assaults, targeting tranquil cities, unsuspecting civilians, and vital infrastructure with drones and missiles. This represents the brutal reality of President Vladimir Putin’s response to those who have reached out to or met with him in recent times. We must pursue peace through strength rather than through concessions," stated Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on X.

Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that Russia had fired approximately 120 missiles and deployed 90 drones in what he referred to as a significant coordinated attack on Ukraine's energy systems.

"The adversary aimed at our energy facilities across Ukraine. Sadly, some sites have been affected by attacks and debris," he stated in a post on social media.

Early on November 17, explosions were heard in the capital city, Kyiv, along with other locations throughout Ukraine, such as Odesa near the Black Sea and the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhya. According to Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, Russia's missile strikes aimed at the country's power grid, leading to the implementation of emergency power cuts.

The large-scale assault occurs as Russia's full invasion of Ukraine approaches 1,000 days. The country is using a significant amount of weapons and sacrificing many lives to secure minor but consistent territorial advancements in the nearly 20% of Ukraine that it currently occupies.

Ukraine is currently working hard to reduce its losses, keep morale high, and persuade its allies that additional military support could help change the situation in its favor. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has claimed he can swiftly bring an end to the conflict, but the specifics of how he would do that remain uncertain.

On November 16, the Group of Seven (G7), consisting of major industrialized nations, reaffirmed their strong commitment to stand by Ukraine in its fight against the invading Russian military for as long as necessary.

WATCH: On the night of November 16-17, Ukraine faced a relentless attack from Russian missiles and drones. Amidst the wreckage of shattered and severely damaged homes, a resident of Mykolayiv recounted to RFE/RL his efforts to rescue a neighbor and her child from the flames and rubble. Sadly, the woman was later declared dead.

Following Russia's assault on Ukraine on November 17, Poland was quick to respond by deploying its fighter jets.

"The Polish Armed Forces' operational command announced on X that, in response to the significant assault by the Russian Federation involving cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones targeting sites in western Ukraine, Polish and allied aircraft have begun conducting operations within our airspace."

It stated that it had "mobilized all forces and resources at its disposal, deployed the fighter jets that were on standby, and brought the ground-based air defense and radar monitoring systems to their maximum level of preparedness."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on X that the conflict in Ukraine instigated by the Kremlin cannot be resolved just by making phone calls. His comments came shortly after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a phone conversation with Putin.

"Phone calls won’t deter Putin. The recent attack—one of the largest in this conflict—has shown that talks alone aren’t enough; Ukraine needs genuine backing from the entire Western alliance," Tusk stated.

In a recent social media update, Zelenskiy mentioned that Russia has used different kinds of drones, such as Shaheds, along with cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and missiles launched from aircraft. He also reported that Ukrainian defense forces successfully intercepted 140 aerial targets.

The missile strike came after a drone attack on Ukraine's capital during the night. Officials reported that debris from the incident caused a fire on the roof of an apartment building in Kyiv, and at least one individual sustained injuries, according to a message on the Telegram app.

"Rescue teams were sent to the location," stated Vitali Klitschko, the Mayor of Kyiv.

According to Serhiy Popko, the leader of Kyiv’s military administration, the recent drone and missile strike was the strongest in the past three months.

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