Russia Launches Massive Missile Attack on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure, Over 1 Million Without Power

Massive Russian Attack on Ukraine‘s Energy Infrastructure

On Thursday, Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine, firing nearly 200 missiles and drones. More than one million households lost power due to this assault, according to Ukrainian officials. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko reported emergency power outages across the country.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating that Kalibr cruise missiles struck civilian areas. He described this as an “insidious escalation,” emphasizing the dangers of cluster munitions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his military targeted 17 sites, including military infrastructure, using 100 drones and 90 missiles. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian air force reported intercepting 76 cruise missiles, three other missile types, and 32 drones. They mentioned losing track of 62 drones likely due to electronic warfare.

This event marks the 11th major attack on Ukraine’s energy structure this year. Ukrainian officials warned that Russia has been stockpiling missiles for further attacks, particularly as winter approaches. About half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been damaged during nearly three years of war, leading to regular power outages. Western allies have assisted Ukraine with air defense systems and funding for repairs.

In March, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian military officers for war crimes related to attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Despite Russia’s advances in recent months, Putin threatened to deploy a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, known as Oreshnik, against Kyiv. He asserted that this missile, capable of evading modern air defenses, could cause destruction comparable to a nuclear attack.

Explosions were reported in cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Rivne during Thursday’s assault. In response to the attacks, Zelenskyy urged Western nations to expedite the delivery of air defense systems. He emphasized the importance of having these systems in Ukraine instead of storage facilities.

The head of Ukraine’s presidential office accused Russia of preparing for attacks during winter, with assistance from allies such as North Korea. The attack left over 500,000 households in western regions without electricity. In Rivne alone, over 280,000 households experienced power outages.

Local officials activated air defenses and set up emergency shelters, termed “points of invincibility,” for residents to recharge devices and receive refreshments during blackouts. In Kyiv, missile debris fell in some areas, but no casualties were reported.

Follow AP’s detailed coverage of the war in Ukraine for ongoing updates.