Russia has carried out one of the largest aerial assaults on Ukraine, hitting energy infrastructure across the country and resulting in at least five fatalities and significant destruction. The attacks were reported in various major cities, including Odesa, Dnipro, and Rivne, with Kyiv experiencing the heaviest attack in three months. Residents sought refuge in the metro network as strikes intensified.
Tragically, casualties were reported, with two individuals losing their lives in a drone strike in the Mykolaiv region, and two more fatalities in Odesa. Additionally, a woman was killed in her car in the Lviv region. The strikes led to power outages in multiple regions, with Odesa facing disruptions to heating, water, and electricity supplies, forcing hospitals to rely on generators.
Ukrainian energy company DTEK confirmed that its thermal power plants were targeted and suffered severe damage. The ongoing conflict, now entering its third year, has reached a critical juncture for Ukraine, with Russia making advances and the potential shift in US support following Donald Trump's return to the White House.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been repeatedly attacked, resulting in rolling blackouts. The recent bombardments have escalated tensions, leaving the country vulnerable as it approaches its third winter of conflict.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibyha condemned the attacks, attributing them to Russian President Vladimir Putin's response to recent diplomatic engagements. President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that approximately 120 missiles and 90 drones were launched in the assault, targeting energy facilities nationwide.
Despite the damage inflicted, Ukraine's defense forces managed to neutralize over 140 aerial threats. Zelensky highlighted the widespread nature of the attacks, emphasizing the enemy's focus on energy infrastructure. Efforts are underway to restore power to affected areas.
The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the assault, describing it as a 'massive' strike utilizing high-precision weaponry. Concurrently, Russia is making strategic gains along the frontlines in eastern and southeastern Ukraine, advancing towards key locations like Kurakhove.
Russia claimed to have captured additional settlements in the Donetsk region, while also preparing for a counteroffensive in the southern Russian region of Kursk. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the evolving dynamics of the conflict.
