Ukrainian energy facilities have been subjected to a significant attack by Russia, marking the latest assault on the country’s power grid, according to officials. This recent onslaught represents the eighth instance in the past three months that Russia has targeted energy infrastructure, as reported by Ukraine’s energy ministry.
During the night, Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted 12 out of 16 missiles and all 13 drones launched by Russia across multiple regions. The Ukrainian air force confirmed these actions.
Tragically, in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, three people lost their lives and at least 18 were injured from Russian guided bombs. Kharkiv’s regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, condemned the attacks as deliberate strikes on civilian infrastructure, emphasizing the absence of military targets in the area.
Overnight attacks also resulted in injuries to two energy workers in the central Zaporizhzhia region and equipment damage in Lviv, officials disclosed. Reports from Ivano-Frankivsk in the southwest described damage to residential homes and a kindergarten.
Since late March, Russia has intensified its series of strikes on Ukrainian energy targets, leading to frequent power outages nationwide. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that Moscow’s attacks have crippled half of Ukraine’s electricity-generating capacity.
In response to the ongoing assaults, Ukraine has been procuring energy supplies from the European Union, yet remains in deficit. Consequently, the country faces regular planned blackouts to safeguard critical infrastructure such as hospitals and military facilities.
Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, one of Ukraine’s largest private energy companies, urgently appealed for international assistance to fortify Ukraine’s energy system and facilitate reconstruction efforts.
President Zelensky has persistently urged allies to provide more advanced air defense systems, specifically requesting the delivery of seven Patriot systems from the United States. Ivan Fedorov, governor of Zaporizhzhia, echoed these sentiments, stressing Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced defense capabilities.
Responding to these pleas, the US National Security Council assured Ukraine of prioritized deliveries of Patriots, underscoring Washington’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid escalating hostilities.