A man surveys the damage of a house that was hit during a Russian missile strike in Krasylivka, Kyiv region, Ukraine, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Russian missiles and drones targeted several Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities on Wednesday, resulting in significant damage to three Soviet-era thermal power plants and causing power outages in multiple regions, as confirmed by officials.
The Ukrainian air force reported intercepting a significant portion of the incoming attack, downing 39 out of 55 missiles and 20 out of 21 attack drones deployed during the assault. This assault intensifies pressure on Ukraine’s energy system, coming more than two years after Russia initiated a full-scale invasion.
Energy Minister German Galushchenko conveyed concerns about the attack on the energy sector, emphasizing its impact on national infrastructure. Reports indicate that two individuals were injured in the Kyiv region, with an additional casualty reported in the Kirovohrad region.
Galushchenko detailed the targeting of power generation and transmission facilities across several regions, including Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Vinnytsia. Efforts to mitigate damage to energy facilities and other infrastructure are underway, with around 350 rescuers mobilized for response operations.
In response to the attack, national power grid operator Ukrenergo implemented electricity cut-offs in nine regions for consumers, extending to nationwide restrictions for businesses during peak evening hours until 23:00 (20:00 GMT). Authorities have advised citizens to conserve power to alleviate strain on the grid.
The Russian defense ministry justified the attack as retaliation for alleged strikes by Kyiv on Russian energy facilities and military-industrial complexes. They claim that the strikes have significantly diminished Ukraine’s capacity for military production and deployment of Western weaponry along the conflict line.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed frustration over what he perceives as limited Western action to curb Russian energy revenue, citing concerns about attending President Vladimir Putin’s recent inauguration. He emphasized the need for international solidarity against Russian aggression and criticized perceived acquiescence to Russian influence.
Ukraine has previously conducted drone attacks on Russian refineries, aiming to disrupt Russian oil refining capacity. The ongoing conflict has led to significant damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal estimating substantial financial requirements for repair work.
Private energy company DTEK, which operates several damaged thermal power stations, has pledged to restore operations with assistance from allies. The extent of the damage to specific facilities remains undisclosed due to security concerns, although reports suggest attacks on critical civilian infrastructure in various regions of Ukraine.
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