Ukraine Hits Russian-Held Melitopol, Knocks Out Power Supply

Residents of Melitopol, a hub for Russian troops about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the front lines, awoke early this morning, Mar. 29, 2023, to the sound of blasts, local media reported.

Photo Insert: Russian authorities in the city said shelling by Ukrainian forces partially knocked out electricity.

A locomotive depot was among the areas hit, the city's administration said, CNN reported.

Russian authorities in the city said shelling by Ukrainian forces partially knocked out electricity. Melitopol's exiled mayor said that "several explosions" were heard and the city's northern and western districts were without power, as well as some surrounding villages.

The attack came as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi arrived at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for his second visit to the facility, which is controlled by Russian authorities.

Grossi told CNN that military action around the facility is increasing and that Russia has said it is ready to discuss the safety situation at the plant with international observers.

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