In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine, targeting critical energy infrastructure and civilian areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the assault involved 120 missiles and 90 drones, marking one of the largest coordinated strikes since the start of the conflict.
Ukraine's largest private energy company confirmed that the strikes caused "significant damage" to thermal energy plants, further straining the country’s power grid. Emergency blackouts have been implemented in three regions as authorities race to assess and repair the damage. The attacks come as winter looms, intensifying concerns over energy shortages for civilians.
The assault also claimed lives. According to Zelenskyy, a drone attack killed two people and injured six others, including two children. The president condemned the strikes as a deliberate attack on both civilian and critical infrastructure.
As missiles veered towards western Ukraine, neighboring Poland scrambled fighter jets, highlighting the broader regional risks of the conflict. Although no direct threat to Poland was reported, the incident underscores rising tensions near NATO borders.
The latest attack demonstrates Russia’s strategy of targeting Ukraine's energy systems, potentially aiming to weaken morale and disrupt daily life as the conflict drags on.
By Toby Denne
Comments