In one of the largest airstrikes in recent months, Russia launched 120 missiles and 90 drones across Ukraine on Sunday, killing at least seven people and causing significant damage to the country’s energy network. The attack deepened concerns over long winter blackouts and heightened psychological strain as Ukraine nears 1,000 days of conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Nationwide Blackouts as Air Defenses Respond
Explosions rocked the capital Kyiv overnight as air defenses intercepted drones and missiles. Residents sought shelter in underground metro stations as powerful blasts echoed across the city. Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, reported severe damage to power facilities.
“These attacks once again emphasize Ukraine’s urgent need for advanced air defense systems from our allies,” said Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK. Emergency power cuts were imposed in several regions, including Odesa, while repairs continued in Volyn, Rivne, and other areas.
Targeting Ukraine’s Energy Grid
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted energy facilities supporting Ukraine’s military operations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that energy infrastructure nationwide was under attack, with damage reported in regions ranging from Lviv in the west to Zaporizhzhia in the southeast.
Ukraine’s air force reported successfully destroying 104 of the 120 missiles and 42 drones, although some missiles breached defenses, causing significant disruptions.
Rising Civilian and Regional Impact
Authorities confirmed fatalities in Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Moldova reported violations of its airspace by Russian missiles, while NATO member Poland scrambled its air force as a precaution.
This latest attack follows Russia’s intensified campaign to weaken Ukraine’s infrastructure and morale, with Moscow claiming its strikes aim to disrupt military operations.
Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Pressures
The assault came as Western leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw troops occupying nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory. However, Ukrainian officials criticized such diplomatic overtures, emphasizing the need for stronger Western support instead of dialogue.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated, “This attack proves that phone diplomacy cannot replace real action. The coming weeks will be crucial not only for Ukraine’s fight but for the future of Europe.”
Winter Brings Greater Challenges
The timing of the strikes has compounded fears of prolonged blackouts as Ukraine faces a harsh winter. With Moscow’s troops advancing in the east and Ukrainian forces holding contested territories in Russia’s Kursk region, both sides are bracing for intensified conflict.
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