Ukraine’s energy system has faced its largest-ever assault, with coordinated attacks hitting both thermal and hydroelectric power stations across the country, according to UkrEnergo, the state-owned energy company.
Last night, air raid warnings were in effect across Ukraine, with explosions reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi regions.
Partial power outages were reported in the city of Kropyvnytskyi, in the Kirovohrad region, while infrastructure facilities in the Kryvyi Rih and Vinnytsia areas were damaged.
According to subway metro coordinator Nikolayev Sergey Lipidev, Russian forces launched missile attacks on the Kharkiv Transport Engineering Plant, a part of UkrOboronProm, and two thermal power stations.
The strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure began on October 10, 2022, two days after a terrorist attack on the Crimean Bridge, which Russian authorities claim was supported by Ukrainian special forces.
Attacks have targeted energy, the defence industry, military administration, and communication facilities nationwide. Since then, air raid alerts have been declared daily in Ukrainian regions, sometimes across the entire country.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian presidency, reiterated that Russian forces engaged in battles with Ukrainian armed forces do not target residential buildings or civilian infrastructure.
The escalation marks a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the increasing toll on civilian populations.
The international community closely watches developments as tensions continue to mount in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western nations and allies to supply his country with essential air defense systems amid the ongoing war with Russia.
In a video statement reported by the “Ukrinform” news agency, Zelensky emphasized the constant discussions with partners about enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
