Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
In a recent overnight assault, Russia deployed over 450 drones and 30 missiles targeting Ukraine’s energy sector, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This aggressive strike has led to power outages across nine regions, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced air defense support from international allies.
Zelenskyy emphasized on X that the primary focus of Russia’s offensive is the civilian and energy infrastructure, particularly critical as the heating season approaches. The attack resulted in significant damage, with parts of Kyiv experiencing power loss and a fire breaking out in a residential block within the Pecherskyi district due to drone strikes.
Fragments from intercepted drones scattered across the capital, prompting Mayor Vitali Klitschko to report that eight individuals were hospitalized. Additionally, power outages and water supply disruptions affected districts on the eastern side of Kyiv along the Dnipro River.
As winter nears, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure. A missile and drone strike last week severely damaged vital gas production facilities. DTEK, a private energy firm, confirmed that its thermal power plants sustained significant damage during Friday’s assault, although further details were not disclosed.
As of Friday morning, approximately 28,000 families in the Kyiv region remained without electricity, according to Governor Mykola Kalashnyk. In the central Poltava region, around 17,000 residents also faced power loss. Tragically, a seven-year-old boy was killed, and four others were injured in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, where 12 apartment buildings were affected.
Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk indicated that energy experts are currently assessing the damage and preparing for restoration efforts. Residents expressed their frustrations, with 23-year-old student Anatoliy stating, "We had no power or water when I left my house. I can’t get to work because the subway is not operating and buses are overflowing."
Russia has employed a familiar strategy of launching simultaneous waves of drones and missiles to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses. A previous attack on Monday resulted in at least five fatalities and left tens of thousands without power.
The ongoing war, which began over three and a half years ago following Russia’s invasion, has seen the country occupy a significant portion of eastern Ukraine. Despite small territorial gains, Russia’s initial goal of a swift takeover has not materialized, and it continues to control Crimea, annexed in 2014.
In light of these escalating attacks, President Zelenskyy has urgently called for increased air defense units, particularly the U.S.-made Patriot system, alongside stricter sanctions aimed at pressuring Vladimir Putin to engage in negotiations. He stated on X, "What’s needed is not window dressing but decisive action—from the United States, Europe, and the G7—in delivering air defense systems and enforcing sanctions."
Stay updated on the latest developments in Ukraine as the situation unfolds.
