On March 22, Ukraine experienced the largest Russian attack on its energy infrastructure, resulting in significant damage and casualties. Russian forces launched over 60 Shahed missiles and nearly 90 other types of missiles, causing power outages in various regions including Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. The attack targeted Ukraine's largest hydroelectric power station in Zaporizhzhia, leading to a fire at the Dnipro hydroelectric dam which supplies electricity to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear power plant. The main power line to the plant was temporarily cut off, impacting several regions.
Following the attack, Ukraine's Enerhoatom reportedly repaired the power line to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, restoring electricity to affected towns and villages in regions such as Dnipropetrovsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, and more. The assault on Kyiv on March 21 saw a barrage of cruise and ballistic missiles hitting the capital, resulting in injuries and damage to residential areas. Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for global unity and advanced air defense systems to counter such attacks.
Meanwhile, the Donetsk province faced continued Russian shelling, with recent incidents in Selydove and other areas causing civilian casualties and property damage. The city of Kharkiv also endured shelling on its industrial infrastructure, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Additionally, the ongoing raid on the Belgorod region in southern Russia by anti-Kremlin Russian fighters supporting Ukraine has led to sustained conflict and evacuations.
In terms of security aid, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group convened to finalize military assistance packages, with countries like Germany, Canada, and the Czech Republic committing substantial aid for Ukraine's defense needs. European leaders are set to discuss further financial support for Ukraine, including utilizing frozen Russian assets for assistance funds.
Furthermore, a recent assessment by the Institute for the Study of War revealed that Russia is preparing for a potential conflict with NATO within the next five years. Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed military and financial sectors to bolster capabilities, including the production of heavy bombs for use in Ukraine. These developments underscore the escalating tensions and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
