On Friday, Russia initiated a massive aerial assault, which Ukrainian officials claim to be the most extensive and devastating attack on their energy infrastructure since the war began.
More than 150 missiles and drones were utilized in the bombardment, targeting various locations throughout Ukraine, as confirmed by the Ukrainian air force. This extensive attack resulted in widespread power outages and significant damage to the nation’s largest hydroelectric power station. The air force noted that this was the second largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the commencement of Russia’s invasion two years ago.
According to Ukraine’s prosecutor general’s office, the assault resulted in the death of three individuals and caused injuries to 15 others.
The Ukrainian military reported that their air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed approximately 90% of the incoming projectiles. However, despite their efforts, more than a third of the projectiles still managed to penetrate through.
The strikes caused electricity to be abruptly shut down in at least seven regions, including Odesa, Dnipro, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, and Kirovohrad, as reported by Ukraine’s state energy company. Authorities in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, stated that it was left completely without power as a result of these attacks.
According to a statement by Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the head of Ukrenergo, the morning attack on Ukraine’s energy system by the Russians was the biggest one to date.
Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, described it as the most significant attack on the city since the war began. At least 20 missiles were launched at the energy infrastructure, causing extensive damage. Terekhov expressed concern over the severity of the destruction caused by the attack.
According to Ukrainian officials, the Dnipro dam in Zaporizhzhia, which is Ukraine’s largest hydroelectric power station, was also targeted by missiles. This resulted in a massive fire at the dam and caused significant damage.
“We are in a dire situation as the station is being lost,” stated Ihor Syrota, the head of Ukraine’s state hydro-power company, Ukrhydroenergo, during a live interview with RFE/RL. He revealed that two missiles had struck the power plant, exacerbating the already critical situation.
According to Ukrainian officials, although the dam itself is not at risk of structural damage, local authorities are advising residents to ensure they have an adequate supply of water in case there are any potential shortages.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Friday’s attack consisted of over 75 missiles, including seven advanced, hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.
Ukraine is currently facing a critical shortage of air defense ammunition, which has been aggravated by delays in receiving supplies from Western countries. This comes at a time when Congress has blocked further U.S. support for Ukraine. Recently, Russia launched a significant missile attack on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, marking its largest assault in months.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed on Friday his concern over the attacks, emphasizing the repercussions of the delays in Western support.
In a video address, Zelensky emphasized that Russian drones are not prone to indecision. He stressed the significance of understanding the consequences of delays and postponed decisions. Zelensky expressed confidence that their partners possess the knowledge and ability to provide the necessary support, highlighting the urgency of making crucial decisions.
A $60 billion military aid package, which includes funding for air defense, is currently facing obstacles in Congress. Hard right Republicans, with close ties to former President Donald Trump, have blocked the bill. Although it received approval from a bipartisan majority in the Senate in December, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to bring it to a vote.
Russia has primarily refrained from attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in recent months, opting to concentrate on military production objectives. Nonetheless, Ukraine now confronts a dilemma: whether to utilize its limited air defenses to safeguard major cities and civilian infrastructure or allocate them to the frontline, where Russia is reclaiming air supremacy.
Ukraine has utilized a limited number of state-of-the-art Patriot air defense batteries, generously supplied by the United States and European nations, to safeguard Kyiv. However, these batteries are insufficient to provide protection to crucial cities in other regions.
Ukrainian officials have come forward to defend their recent attacks on Russia’s oil industry. This comes in response to reports suggesting that U.S. officials have urged Ukraine to cease these attacks out of concern that they are causing a global increase in oil prices.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have launched multiple attacks on significant Russian oil refineries. These targeted strikes seem to be part of a deliberate effort to weaken Russia’s energy sector, which serves as a vital source of income for the Kremlin.
According to a report from the Financial Times on Friday, officials from the United States have warned officials at Ukraine’s intelligence service to put an end to the attacks.
According to Ukrainian deputy prime minister Olha Stefanishyna, the strikes carried out were considered legitimate.
During the Kyiv Security Forum, she emphasized that these military objectives are completely legitimate. She acknowledged the concerns expressed by American partners, but also highlighted that the actions being taken align with the current capabilities, resources, and strategies available to them.