Ukraine disables power grid due to Russian missile strikes

KYIV, Ukraine — On Wednesday, a significant missile assault involving both ballistic and cruise missiles was executed by Russia, targeting various regions within Ukraine. The strikes primarily aimed at energy infrastructure, prompting authorities to implement power grid shutdowns in certain areas even as icy winter conditions persist, according to official reports.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the attack was focused on “critically important facilities of gas and energy infrastructure,” which are deemed essential for the operation of Ukraine’s military industrial complex. However, the ministry did not divulge specific locations or additional details regarding the targets.

This onslaught occurred just a day after Russian officials promised retaliation following what they claimed was an assault on Russian territory using several missiles supplied by Western nations. While Ukraine has not confirmed this alleged attack, it did mention that its forces targeted an oil refinery, a fuel storage facility, a chemical plant for ammunition production, and two anti-aircraft missile systems, with operations extending approximately 1,100 kilometers (almost 700 miles) into Russia.

Long-range strikes have become a hallmark of the nearly three-year conflict, during which a war of attrition has unfolded along a front line stretching about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from northeastern to southern Ukraine. Although Russian troops have made some territorial advancements in the last year, their gains have been described as slow and costly.

Ukrainian defense forces are currently facing intensifying pressure in the eastern Donetsk region where Russian troops are focused on capturing the strategically vital location of Pokrovsk. Serhii Filimonov, commander of the 108th Separate Mechanized Battalion, characterized the situation as “critically bad,” noting that Russian forces aim to sever the Dnipro highway, a crucial supply route for Pokrovsk.

Before dawn on Wednesday, Russia launched an attack that involved 43 missiles and 74 drones, as reported by the Ukrainian Air Force. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 30 missiles and 47 drones, with an additional 27 drones failing to reach their intended targets.

The range of the Russian missiles extended from the western Lviv region near Poland to Kharkiv in the northeast, bordering Russia. The state energy firm Ukrenergo announced emergency power outages across six regions, a common safety measure taken during attacks.

In a statement on social media, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko condemned the attacks, asserting that “the enemy continues to terrorize Ukrainians.” By midday, electricity was restored to some areas, but Ukrenergo advised consumers to refrain from using high-consumption electrical devices.

Repeated efforts by Russia to incapacitate Ukraine’s power grid have sought to deprive the nation of heating, electricity, and water as a means of undermining Ukrainian morale. These assaults also target Ukraine’s defense manufacturing capabilities. According to the U.N. refugee agency, over 60% of Ukraine’s energy generation capacity has reportedly been lost since September.

Ukrainian authorities are working to reconstruct energy facilities following the strikes, although these bombardments have significantly affected production levels. Support from Western nations has been crucial in this rebuilding process.

President Zelenskyy emphasized on Telegram that with winter in full swing, Russia’s objective continues to remain on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He called on Western allies to expedite the delivery of promised air defense systems, asserting that while commitments have been made, they have yet to be fully delivered.

In a separate development, both Russia and Ukraine traded 25 prisoners of war in a recent exchange mediated by the United Arab Emirates, according to officials.