Summary
- Russia stages its first major missile attack since August, targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
- Ukrainians fear the assault will further damage the already weakened power system.
- The attack led Poland to scramble its air force as a precautionary measure.
Russia Launches Largest Missile Attack Since August on Ukraine’s Capital and Power Infrastructure
Massive Blasts Across Ukraine
On Sunday morning, powerful explosions echoed through Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and several other cities. The assault marked Russia’s largest missile attack since August, targeting critical power infrastructure as winter approaches. Ukrainian authorities confirmed the missile strike focused on energy generation and transmission facilities, aiming to destabilize the country’s already weakened power grid. Energy Minister German Galushchenko warned of significant damage to the system, which could result in prolonged blackouts and heightened psychological pressure on the Ukrainian people during this pivotal moment in the war.
Air Defenses Engage, Power Disruptions Follow
As the missile attack began, air defense systems activated over Kyiv, shooting down incoming drones. A series of loud blasts shook the city center early in the morning. The full extent of the damage remained unclear, but officials quickly took precautionary measures, cutting power in multiple city districts across Kyiv, its surrounding region, and the Dnipropetrovsk area. These outages aimed to prevent power surges caused by potential infrastructure damage. Authorities in the Volyn region also reported damage to energy infrastructure, though specifics were withheld to maintain operational security.
Missile Strikes Spread Across Ukraine
The attack’s reach extended beyond Kyiv, with explosions reported in Mykolaiv, where two individuals lost their lives due to an overnight drone assault. The southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia and the Black Sea port of Odesa also endured blasts. Further reports indicated more strikes in the southern city of Kryvyi Rih and the western region of Rivne. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the Russian assault, calling it one of the most significant airstrikes targeting civilian areas. Sybiha accused Moscow of retaliating against world leaders who had engaged with President Vladimir Putin, referencing a phone call between Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz just days earlier.
Poland Responds to Threats Along Its Border
Poland, a NATO member that borders Ukraine to the west, activated its air force as a precautionary measure. The Polish military reported scrambling fighter jets, while ground-based air defense systems were put on high alert. Poland’s operational command also increased radar surveillance in response to the missile and drone attacks crossing into Ukrainian airspace.
Ukraine’s Air Force Issues Urgent Warnings
The Ukrainian air force issued multiple warnings to civilians, urging them to seek shelter as Russian missiles, including cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic types, sped through Ukrainian airspace. In Kyiv, a residential building caught fire after debris from the missile strike hit the roof. At least two people sustained injuries, prompting emergency responders to rush to the scene. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the damage on the Telegram messaging app, assuring that emergency services were on site.
Previous Major Strike in August
Russia’s most recent significant missile assault on Kyiv occurred on August 26, 2023, when more than 200 drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine, killing at least seven people. This latest round of attacks represents a continuation of Russia’s strategy to disrupt Ukraine’s infrastructure and break the will of the population as the war enters its third year.
