Russia initiated a significant aerial assault on Ukraine, unleashing 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This attack is described as one of the most intense bombardments on the country's energy sector since Russia's full-scale invasion almost three years ago.
Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepted 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were taken down by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year, as reported by Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy condemned Russia's actions, stating that the country is 'terrorizing millions of people' with such assaults and called for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the use of long-range precision missiles and drones targeting critical fuel and energy facilities in Ukraine, essential for the functioning of the military industrial complex. This strike was said to be in retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on a Russian air base using the Army Tactical Missile System.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv noted that Friday's attack also aimed at transport networks and other vital facilities. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, reported significant damage to its thermal power plants due to the assault.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko assured that efforts were underway to minimize the negative consequences on the energy system, with more details on damages to be released once the security situation allowed.
Ukraine's air force reported multiple strike drones and cruise missiles launched overnight, with Russia also employing air-launched ballistic Kinzhal missiles against western regions of Ukraine.
This recent attack follows a similar massive assault on Nov. 28, which left over a million households without power until emergency teams restored supplies. Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about Russia stockpiling cruise and ballistic missiles for future attacks.
Approximately half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed during the conflict, leading to frequent and widespread electricity blackouts. Kyiv's Western allies have provided air defense systems to safeguard critical infrastructure, but Russia's combined strikes involving numerous missiles and drones have posed challenges.
Russia has maintained the upper hand this year, making steady progress through Ukrainian defenses in the east through a series of deliberate offensives.
For more updates on the war in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.
