Kyiv has reported that Russia executed its most extensive attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure since the onset of the conflict, unleashing over 150 missiles and drones and striking a vast dam spanning the Dnipro River, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals.
The barrage of attacks targeted numerous energy facilities across Ukraine, leading to power outages for over a million civilians across seven regions. In response, neighboring countries such as Poland, Romania, and Slovakia rushed to provide emergency power assistance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, emphasizing that they predominantly hit civilian infrastructure, including power plants, energy supply lines, residential buildings, and even public transportation. Zelensky characterized Russia’s actions as a declaration of war against the everyday lives of Ukrainian citizens.
Among the targets was Ukraine’s largest dam, the DniproHES in Zaporizhzhia, which serves as a crucial electricity source for a nearby nuclear plant. The dam sustained eight strikes, disrupting the main external power line to the nuclear facility. Despite the damage, Ukraine’s nuclear energy operator managed to restore power after several hours.
Moscow justified the attacks as “revenge” for previous cross-border raids by pro-Ukrainian military groups and alleged Ukrainian assaults on Russian infrastructure. However, Ukrainian officials rejected this justification, highlighting the disproportionate impact on civilians and emphasizing the disparity in casualties between the two sides.
