Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure Thursday, cutting power to more than a million people across the country’s west, south, and center as President Vladimir Putin threatened further escalation.
Ukrainian officials reported Russia deployed 91 missiles and 97 drones in its 11th major strike on the energy system since March, damaging facilities across nine regions. Ukraine’s air force claimed it intercepted 79 missiles and 35 drones, with 62 others “lost” to electronic warfare.
Putin said the assault responded to Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles against Russian territory, warning future strikes could target “decision-making centers” in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of using cruise missiles with cluster munitions in what he called a “despicable escalation.”
The western Lviv region reported 523,000 people lost power, with nearly 500,000 more affected in Volyn and Rivne regions. The attack forced Ukraine to disconnect several nuclear power units, which provide more than half the country’s electricity, while state energy firm Naftogaz confirmed damage to its facilities.
The strikes intensify concerns about prolonged winter blackouts as temperatures hover around freezing. Russia has destroyed about half of Ukraine’s generating capacity during the war, prompting officials nationwide to deploy emergency generators for hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure.
The assault comes as Russian ground forces advance at their fastest pace this year in eastern Donetsk region, 33 months into the invasion. Earlier this month, Russia used a new hypersonic missile against Ukraine after Western allies allowed Kyiv to strike Russian territory with advanced missiles.
“Putin does not want peace. We must force him into peace through strength,” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, urging Western allies to provide more air defense and long-range weapons.
REUTERS
