Russia launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, marking the most massive air assault since the conflict began. Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky vowed to retaliate against Russia for the attack and urged allies to lift restrictions on using Western weapons for long-range strikes inside Russian territory.
The attack resulted in at least seven fatalities and power outages in several cities. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk described it as the most massive air attack in over two-and-a-half years of conflict.
The assault utilized over 100 missiles and around 100 Shahed drones, with Ukraine successfully intercepting a significant number of them. The strikes targeted various regions across Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Kyiv.
Ukraine's national energy company, Ukrenergo, had to implement emergency power cuts to stabilize the system due to the damage caused. The attack also resulted in casualties, with at least two individuals killed and four others injured in Kryvyi Rih.
Throughout the conflict, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt daily life and create hardships for its citizens. The recent attack prompted Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko to emphasize the sector's vulnerability.
Following the strikes, Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed a massive strike on Ukraine's power grid and rail lines, disrupting the transport of weapons and ammunition to the frontlines. The attack led to casualties in several Ukrainian regions, with at least 47 individuals injured, including four children.
Ukrainian officials have once again requested their allies to allow them to conduct long-range strikes on Russian territory to effectively counter the ongoing aggression. The assault comes amidst escalating tensions and military movements in the region, with both sides engaging in strategic maneuvers.
The situation remains fluid as both Ukraine and Russia continue to navigate the complexities of the conflict, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence and disruptions to essential services.
