The local governor of a region in Russia, Roman Starovoit, reported that electricity was cut off in two cities in the Kursk region in western Russia, and a man was injured today, Wednesday, after Ukraine dropped explosives on a substation near the border overnight. He noted that "one worker was injured by shrapnel while attempting to restore power, and he is currently in the regional central hospital, receiving all necessary medical treatment." In this context, the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, stated today that it is clear Ukraine has begun its long-anticipated counteroffensive, and Moscow must respond by launching an attack after repelling Kyiv's forces. Medvedev, who previously served as the President of Russia, mentioned in a statement on Telegram: "The (enemy) has been talking for some time about launching a significant counteroffensive. It seems that something has already begun; we must stop (the enemy) and then launch an attack."
### Russia Strengthens Security at Nuclear Power Plant
According to the Russian news agency TASS, "Russia will take heightened security measures at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant located in southeastern Ukraine during the visit of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, next week." TASS quoted Rinat Karchaa, an advisor to the general director of the Russian nuclear energy company operating the reactor, stating: "We are always taking comprehensive measures on our part to ensure the safety and security of all members of the IAEA delegation."
### Repeated Russian Shelling in Kherson
Ukrainian governor of the Kherson region, Oleksandr Prokudin, announced today, Wednesday, that one person was killed and another injured due to Russian shelling in the area several times throughout the day. In this context, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian president's office, pointed out that "a Russian drone killed two civilians and injured another in the Sumy region in the northern part of the country." He explained via Telegram that "an Iranian-made Shahed drone destroyed a private house, causing a fire." He added: "Russia shelled the border region in the northeastern part of the country several times during the night and morning hours."
