Ukraine has reported that Russia has launched a large-scale missile and drone assault targeting critical energy infrastructure across the country. The attack, described by officials in Kyiv as one of the most extensive in recent months, caused widespread damage and power outages, deepening the strain on Ukraine’s energy grid.
According to Ukraine’s military and government officials, the assault involved dozens of missiles and drones aimed at power stations, energy facilities, and other key infrastructure in multiple regions. Air defense systems were activated across the country, with many of the incoming threats intercepted, but several targets were hit, resulting in significant disruptions to the energy supply.
The Ukrainian energy ministry issued a statement acknowledging the scale of the attack, stating, “Russia’s latest assault has severely impacted our energy grid, further complicating efforts to provide stable power to millions of Ukrainians.” Several regions were plunged into temporary darkness as emergency power cuts were implemented to manage the grid’s stability.
Officials in Kyiv described the attack as a deliberate attempt by Moscow to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and demoralize the population during the ongoing war. “This is a continuation of Russia’s strategy to inflict maximum damage on our civilian infrastructure ahead of the winter season,” one Ukrainian defense official said.
In several regions, emergency services responded to fires and damage caused by the missile strikes. Authorities in Kyiv reported that electricity supplies were being restored as quickly as possible, but warned that repeated attacks of this nature could lead to more prolonged blackouts, especially during the colder months.
Ukraine’s air force claimed to have shot down the majority of the missiles and drones, but acknowledged that several of them had penetrated air defenses and struck their targets. “Our air defense units have performed admirably, but the sheer number of missiles and drones made it difficult to intercept them all,” an air force spokesperson stated.
The attack comes at a time when Ukraine’s energy grid is already severely strained due to ongoing hostilities. Russian forces have repeatedly targeted power plants, substations, and transmission lines in previous campaigns, aiming to weaken Ukraine’s ability to sustain itself during the war.
The Ukrainian government has urged citizens to conserve electricity and be prepared for further disruptions as repairs are underway. “We will overcome these challenges, but we ask for patience and solidarity as our engineers work to restore power across the affected regions,” a government spokesperson said.
International reactions to the attack have been swift, with several Western nations condemning Russia’s actions and reaffirming their support for Ukraine. The European Union issued a statement condemning the assault, stating that “targeting civilian infrastructure is unacceptable and a violation of international law.”
The United States, which has been providing military and financial support to Ukraine, also condemned the attack, with a State Department official calling it “another cruel tactic by Russia aimed at breaking the resolve of the Ukrainian people.”
This latest attack underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, where millions are living with the threat of power outages, disrupted heating, and limited access to essential services as winter approaches. Despite these challenges, Ukraine remains resilient, with many citizens vowing to persevere through the conflict.
As the war continues, Ukrainian officials have reiterated their calls for additional support from international allies, including further assistance with air defense systems and energy infrastructure repairs. Russia, meanwhile, has maintained its stance, defending its actions as part of its broader military objectives in the region.
The full extent of the damage caused by this latest round of missile and drone strikes is still being assessed, with Ukrainian authorities warning that future attacks could further exacerbate the situation.
WRITTEN BY MR KENDRICK
