Ukraine hit with blackouts after Russian attacks on power grid

German’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock speaks to Ukrainian energy minister Herman Halushchenko during official visit to a thermal power plant which was destroyed by a Russian rocket attack in Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Sustained Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid in recent weeks have forced leaders of the war-ravaged country to institute nationwide rolling blackouts.

Without adequate air defences to counter assaults and allow for repairs, though, the shortages could still worsen as need spikes in late summer and the bitter-cold winter.