Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine, targeting the country’s electricity system with dozens of cruise missiles and drones. This latest strike is part of a series of raids aimed at crippling Ukraine’s power generation capacity, particularly as the winter season approaches.
According to Ukraine’s energy minister Herman Halushchenko, the Russian military targeted the Ukrainian power grid in the recent attack. Halushchenko expressed concern over the ongoing terror inflicted by the enemy, but assured that energy workers are working to minimize the negative consequences for the energy system. More details on the damages caused by the attack will be released once the security situation allows.
Ukraine’s air force reported multiple strike drones and swarms of cruise missiles launched by Russia overnight. Additionally, air-launched ballistic Kinzhal missiles were used against Ukraine’s western regions during the attack. This continuous assault on Ukraine’s infrastructure has raised fears that the Kremlin is attempting to break the country’s spirits and resolve by disrupting critical services like heating and drinking water supplies.
Since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022, Russia has been relentless in targeting Ukraine’s electricity system, resulting in repeated shutdowns and disruptions. The attacks are believed to be aimed at crippling Ukraine’s defense industry, hindering the production of crucial weapons and military equipment.
In a previous massive attack on Nov. 28, approximately 200 missiles and drones were used, leaving over a million households without power until emergency teams were able to restore supplies. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is stockpiling cruise and ballistic missiles for future attacks.
In a recent development, Russia used an intermediate range hypersonic ballistic missile to strike an industrial plant in eastern Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin described it as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using Western weapons. The Defense Ministry of Russia has vowed to strike back in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
As a result of the ongoing conflict, around half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed, leading to widespread blackouts. Ukraine’s Western allies have provided air defense systems to help protect critical infrastructure, but Russia’s combined strikes with missiles and drones have posed a significant challenge.
Despite facing obstacles, Russia has made significant advances in its military offensives against Ukraine this year. The country’s military has been steadily advancing through Ukrainian defenses in the east, gaining momentum in their operations. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaged in a fierce battle for control and dominance.
