In a significant escalation of conflict, Russian drones and missiles targeted Ukraine's power grid overnight into Saturday, as reported by a Ukrainian energy firm. This attack follows what officials described as the largest assault on Ukrainian natural gas facilities since the onset of Moscow's all-out invasion more than three and a half years ago. Reports indicate that the strike inflicted damage on energy infrastructure near Chernihiv, a city situated in northern Ukraine close to the Russian border, leading to blackouts affecting approximately 50,000 households, according to the regional operator, Chernihivoblenergo.
The head of Chernihiv’s military administration, Dmytro Bryzhynskyi, confirmed the nighttime Russian attack resulted in multiple fires, although the specific targets of the strikes were not immediately disclosed. This recent assault is part of a broader strategy by Russia, which, according to Ukrainian officials, launched the most significant assault of the ongoing conflict on the previous day against natural gas facilities operated by Ukraine's state-owned Naftogaz Group.
On Friday alone, Russian forces unleashed a total of 381 drones and 35 missiles against Ukraine, aiming to severely damage the country’s power infrastructure ahead of the winter months. Ukrainian officials conveyed that this campaign is also an attempt to diminish public support for the enduring three-year conflict. Naftogaz's CEO, Serhii Koretskyi, asserted on Friday that the attacks lacked any military objective, while Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko accused Moscow of seeking to "terrorize civilians." In response, Moscow contended that its attacks were aimed at facilities that aid Kyiv’s military efforts.
In the early hours of Saturday, Russian forces launched an additional 109 drones and three ballistic missiles at Ukraine, as reported by the Ukrainian military. Of these, 73 drones were successfully intercepted or diverted. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, each winter, Russian forces have routinely targeted Ukraine’s power grid. Ukrainian authorities assert that these strikes constitute an effort to weaponize winter by depriving civilians of essential services such as heat, electricity, and water.
Recently, there has been a noticeable intensification in Russian attacks not only on Ukraine's power grid but also on its rail network, which plays a crucial role in military logistics. These developments underscore the ongoing strategic military and infrastructural challenges faced by Ukraine as the country braces for a harsh winter amid the devastation and turmoil wrought by the ongoing conflict.
