Russia intensifies airstrikes on Ukraine’s energy network as winter looms

November 28, 2024 – Ukrainian officials reported on Thursday that Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults yet, targeting critical energy infrastructure across the country. The attack involved approximately 200 missiles and drones, leaving millions without electricity.

Ukrainian air defences managed to intercept 76 missiles and 32 drones, authorities said, but the strikes still inflicted widespread damage. This marks the second major assault on Ukraine’s power grid in less than two weeks, heightening fears of a deliberate Kremlin strategy to undermine energy supplies as temperatures drop.

“This is a ruthless escalation,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, noting that cluster munitions had also hit civilian areas. Cluster munitions scatter smaller explosives over a wide radius, posing ongoing risks to civilians long after an attack.

Energy officials described nationwide power outages, with some regions facing extended blackouts. About 50% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed since the beginning of the war, according to government sources.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at using Moscow’s new hypersonic Oreshnik missile to strike government facilities in Kyiv. He cited Ukraine’s use of Western missiles against Russian territory as justification, but Western analysts remain sceptical of Putin’s claims that the missile is unstoppable.

Zelenskyy has condemned the threat, calling it “a dangerous and significant escalation.” He urged global leaders to denounce any deployment of the missile and reinforce Ukraine’s air defences.