Russia Launches Widespread Missile Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced extensive missile strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and military-industrial sector in response to what it described as “actions by the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” claiming all designated targets were achieved.
According to Russian media reports, these attacks employed “Kinzhal” missiles and targeted facilities reportedly used by Ukrainian forces. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Defense announced advances by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, stating that the settlement of Chuhunivka in the Kharkiv region has come under Russian control.
In retaliation, Russian officials accused Kyiv of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Donbas region and along Russia’s border. These allegations come amid mutual accusations from both sides regarding violations of the laws of war.
Meanwhile, Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Energy Minister, said that following reports from the state electricity network operator about a “major attack” by Russia, Kyiv has urgently requested assistance from Poland. Ukrainian officials reported that two power plants in western Ukraine, Burshtynska and Dobrotvirska, were damaged in the attacks.
Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s electricity network operator, stated that the extensive strikes on power facilities have caused emergency outages in most regions. The organization added that, depending on improvements in the security situation, restoration operations will commence.
Following these developments, two airports in southeastern Poland, Rzeszów and Lublin, temporarily suspended flights to facilitate military air force operations. The city of Rzeszów, located near the Ukrainian border, serves as a key hub for NATO’s transfer of military equipment to Ukraine.
