Major Russian Airstrikes Leave Over One Million Ukrainians Without Power
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a massive airstrike against Ukraine, targeting critical energy infrastructure. This attack, which occurred overnight, involved 91 missiles and 97 drones, resulting in over one million Ukrainian households losing electricity. The strikes particularly affected western regions, including Lviv, where 523,000 subscribers were reported without power, as well as major cities like Kharkiv and Odessa. The Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepted 79 missiles and 35 drones, but many still managed to hit their intended targets, causing widespread disruption.
Putin's Justification for the Attacks
Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized the airstrikes as a direct response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory using American-made ATACMS missiles. Speaking at a security summit in Kazakhstan, Putin stated that the strikes targeted military and defense industry facilities across Ukraine. He emphasized that Moscow would continue to retaliate against what he termed dangerous escalations from Ukraine, particularly regarding the use of long-range Western weapons. Putin also mentioned the testing of Russia's Oreshnik ballistic missile, which he claimed has destructive capabilities.
Ukraine's Response and Call for Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, accusing Russia of employing cluster munitions that exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. He highlighted the dire situation for civilians facing freezing temperatures without electricity and called for increased Western support, particularly in air defense systems. The Ukrainian Energy Ministry reported that this was the 11th large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this year, indicating a troubling trend as the country braces for a harsh winter. The ongoing assaults threaten to make this winter one of the most challenging since the onset of the conflict.
