Russia’s large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which targeted 17 critical facilities, was framed as a response to Ukraine’s use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles. President Vladimir Putin emphasized that these strikes focused on military and defense-related targets, though the energy grid was severely impacted.
More than a million Ukrainian households lost power, underscoring the attack’s devastating effects. Putin reiterated Russia’s stance on retaliatory measures in response to Western weaponry being used against its territory.
This attack marked Russia’s 11th assault on Ukraine’s energy grid in 2024, part of a broader strategy that has caused widespread power outages and rolling blackouts. Energy Minister German Halushchenko described the strikes as a “massive enemy attack,” with damage reported nationwide. Emergency power cuts were initially implemented, with regions like Lviv, Volyn, and Rivne experiencing extended outages. The escalation of attacks places Ukraine in a precarious position as it prepares for a third winter under siege.
The strikes also caused injuries in several regions, with damage reported to civilian and business areas, particularly in Kharkiv. Ukrainian air defenses were activated in response, but significant damage occurred across 14 regions, including prolonged air raid alerts in Kyiv. Residents described the chaos and disruptions caused by the strikes, highlighting the growing strain on Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure.
Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Energy Grid in Retaliation for U.S.-Supplied Missile Use
Civilians in various regions recounted personal experiences of explosions, power outages, and reliance on emergency power supplies. The attacks reached regions like Volyn, where many had not anticipated such intensity. Residents expressed frustration with the constant disruptions and growing hardship, particularly as power outages stretch longer and the winter season looms, making daily life increasingly difficult.
The assault, involving around 100 drones and over 90 missiles, followed a record-breaking drone attack earlier in the week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for enhanced air defense systems, warning that such attacks highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
Putin, meanwhile, threatened further missile strikes and the use of Russia’s new medium-range ballistic missile, ‘Oreshnik,’ signaling continued escalation as Moscow justified targeting Ukraine’s infrastructure and decision-making centers in retaliation.
