At least six individuals have been reported dead following a series of missile and drone attacks launched by Russia targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas in Ukraine overnight. A strike on an apartment building in Dnipro resulted in two fatalities and 12 injuries, while three others died in Zaporizhzhia. A total of 25 locations across Ukraine, including the capital city of Kyiv, were affected, leaving many regions without electricity and heating. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that major energy facilities in the Poltava, Kharkiv, and Kyiv regions were damaged, with ongoing efforts to restore power.
The Ukrainian Air Force stated that Russia launched over 450 explosive bomber drones and 45 missiles during this attack, claiming to have shot down nine missiles and 406 drones. The Ukrainian Energy Ministry reported power outages in the Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhya, Odesa, and Kirovohrad regions, though restoration efforts are currently in progress. Svyrydenko also indicated that critical infrastructure has been reconnected, and water supply is being sustained through generators.
According to the Russian defense ministry, its forces shot down 79 Ukrainian drones overnight. Russia asserts that its attacks on energy targets are aimed at undermining the Ukrainian military. However, Ukrainian officials express concern that these strikes not only aim to harm civilian morale but also seek to destabilize Ukraine’s economy by crippling the energy network, especially as winter approaches.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for intensified sanctions on Russian energy, calling for comprehensive measures without exceptions. This plea follows recent U.S. decisions, including a one-year exemption for Hungary from restrictions on Russian oil and gas purchases. Zelensky’s statements urge swift action from the U.S., Europe, and G7 nations in response to the ongoing attacks.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3xdg7xrv9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss