Moscow initiated a significant assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Friday, as reported by Ukraine's armed forces. The attack involved a total of 99 drones and missiles that struck various regions across the country. Air raid warnings were issued nationwide as the strike targeted 10 separate regions, according to Ukraine's Interior Minister.
The Ukrainian air force confirmed the presence of 60 Shahed drones and 39 missiles of different types throughout the country. Fortunately, air defenses managed to intercept and take down 58 drones and 26 missiles.
Ukraine's state-owned grid operator, Ukrenergo, stated that the attack specifically aimed at energy infrastructure, including thermal and hydroelectric power plants in central and western regions. DTEK, the country's largest private electricity operator, disclosed that three of its thermal power plants suffered damage during the assault.
In the Dnipropetrovsk region, five individuals sustained injuries, including a 5-year-old girl. The bombardment in western Ukraine prompted the Polish Armed Forces to deploy their aircraft in response.
Last week, Warsaw raised concerns with Moscow after a missile briefly entered Polish airspace during a major missile attack on Ukraine, leading Poland to activate F-16 fighter jets. Romania's defense ministry also launched an investigation after discovering drone fragments in an agricultural area near the Ukrainian border.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Romania, a NATO member, has repeatedly found drone remnants on its territory. The situation remains tense as the conflict escalates.
