Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Thursday, causing power outages for over a million households, as reported by Ukrainian officials. This assault, involving more than 200 missiles and drones, is the second strike on Ukraine's power grid in less than two weeks.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko took to Facebook to express that these attacks are widespread across Ukraine, leading to emergency power outages nationwide. Regions affected include Lviv, Rivne, Volyn, and Ivano Frankivsk.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the use of Kalibr cruise missiles with cluster munitions on civilian targets, labeling the attack as an 'insidious escalation.' Zelenskyy urged Western nations to expedite the delivery of air defense weaponry in response to the assault.
Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential office, accused Russia of amassing missiles for potential winter warfare and alleged support from allies like North Korea. Russia's attacks during winter aim to disrupt civilian access to essential resources like heat and drinking water, as well as hamper Ukraine's military production capabilities.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, Russia has severely damaged a significant portion of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, impacting the daily lives of its citizens and military operations.
