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Politics210 words2 min read

Russian Strikes Hit Major Power Plant in Kyiv

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Russia launched missile strikes on a major power plant in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky said the attack used ballistic missiles, which travel at very high speed and are difficult to stop. He described the strike as a hit on a key piece of the country's infrastructure.

The Ukrainian leader also said there had been no early warning from Ukraine's international partners before the strike. This has raised questions about how allied countries share information about incoming threats.

Ukraine relies on support from Western partners, including intelligence sharing, to help detect attacks before they happen. Zelensky's comments suggest a gap in this warning system during the recent strike.

Power plants are frequent targets in the ongoing war, as damage to energy infrastructure can cause widespread blackouts. Such attacks affect heating, lighting and daily life for millions of people, especially during colder months.

Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's energy system since its full-scale invasion began. Ukrainian officials have regularly condemned these strikes, calling them attacks on civilian infrastructure rather than military targets.

Zelensky's statement highlights ongoing concerns about air defence capabilities and coordination with allies as the war continues. No further details were given about casualties or the extent of damage to the plant.

Vocabulary10 words

power plant
a place that makes electricity for a city or country
ballistic missiles
very fast weapons that fly high before hitting a target
infrastructure
basic systems like power and water that a country needs
intelligence
secret information, often about danger or enemies
blackouts
times when electricity stops working
civilian
relating to ordinary people, not soldiers
air defence
systems used to stop attacks from the sky
strike
a sudden military attack
partners
countries or groups that work together to help each other
warning
information given before danger happens

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Quiz

1. What type of missiles were used in the strike, according to Zelensky?
2. What did Zelensky say was missing before the attack?
3. True or False: Attacks on power plants can cause blackouts for civilians.

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Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Russia launched missile strikes on a major _____ in Kyiv.

Zelensky said the attack used _____ missiles.

He described the strike as a hit on key _____.

There had been no early warning from Ukraine's international _____.

Ukraine relies on support from Western partners, including _____ sharing.

Damage to energy infrastructure can cause widespread _____.

Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's energy system since the _____ began.

Officials call these attacks strikes on _____ infrastructure.

The statement raises concerns about _____ capabilities and coordination.

No details were given about _____ or damage to the plant.

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