KYIV: Ukraine faced a massive overnight assault from Russia, which launched 100 missiles and drones aimed at the country’s energy infrastructure, Ukrainian officials reported on Saturday.
Throughout the two-year conflict, Russia has conducted numerous aerial attacks on Ukraine’s power facilities, causing widespread damage and energy shortages as Ukraine’s air defenses struggle to counter the onslaught of drones and missiles.
The Ukrainian air force detailed the attack, noting that 53 missiles of various types and 47 attack drones were deployed. Of these, Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepted 35 missiles and all but one drone.
DTEK, Ukraine’s energy company, confirmed that two thermal power plants suffered significant damage, although the exact locations were not disclosed. This marks the sixth significant attack on DTEK thermal power plants since mid-March, the company added.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, stated that the attacks spanned five regions: Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovograd, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Zaporizhzhia, affecting areas from the eastern frontlines to the western border near the EU. The energy ministry warned of potential power restrictions on Saturday evening due to the damage.
President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of exploiting perceived weaknesses among Ukraine’s Western allies and reiterated his call for increased air defense systems. He emphasized that Russia’s aim is to normalize terror and take advantage of insufficient air defenses and the wavering resolve of Ukraine’s partners.
“This situation tests the resolve and humanity of the free world. We must either face this challenge together, or risk plunging the world into greater instability and chaos,” Zelensky warned in a social media post.
