In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia carried out a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, specifically targeting the nation’s energy infrastructure. This onslaught has resulted in widespread power outages and disruptions to water supply across various regions of the country.
As reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the attack has left at least 20 individuals injured and tragically claimed the life of a child in the Zaporizhzhia region. In a statement shared on social media, Zelenskyy condemned the assault, stating, “It was a cynical and calculated attack, with more than 450 drones and over thirty missiles targeting everything that sustains normal life, everything the Russians want to deprive us of.”
Continued assaults on energy facilities
This latest barrage is part of a relentless campaign by Vladimir Putin’s forces against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a strategy that has intensified as the colder months approach. Since the onset of the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion, these strikes have become a consistent threat as temperatures drop.
Zelenskyy highlighted the strategic focus of these attacks, asserting, “It is precisely the civilian and energy infrastructure that is the main target of Russia’s strikes ahead of the heating season. Together, we can protect people from this terror.” In light of these aggressive actions, he has called for “decisive action” from the United States, Europe, and the G7 nations, emphasizing the urgent need for air defense systems and the enforcement of additional sanctions against Russia.
Restoration efforts amid chaos
Amid the chaos caused by the strikes, repair crews in Kyiv are working tirelessly to restore both power and water supplies. Reports indicate that power outages have been widespread, affecting regions such as Kyiv, Donetsk, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Odesa, and Dnipro. The situation remains dire as citizens face the harsh realities of winter.
Additionally, the DTEK group, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, reported that this attack marks the third time within the week that Russian forces have targeted its power stations, resulting in injuries to workers and significant damage to critical infrastructure.