Russia launches attack on Ukraine’s power sector in sign of possible escalation

Smoke and fire rise over the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant after Russian attacks in Dnipro, Ukraine (Telegram channel of Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal via AP)

Russia has unleashed one of its most devastating attacks against Ukraine’s electric sector, an aerial assault it said was retaliation for recent strikes inside Russia and which could signal an escalation of the war.

It comes just days after President Vladimir Putin cemented his grip on power in a preordained election.