KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A new wave of extensive Russian drone and missile assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has resulted in widespread power outages and restrictions across all regions of the country on Thursday. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko characterized Moscow's actions as "systematic energy terror," emphasizing the significant impact these continuous attacks have on the nation as bitter winter temperatures approach.
The recent strikes, which involved the launch of over 650 drones and more than 50 missiles, resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and left 17 others injured, including children aged between 2 and 16 years old, according to official reports. This relentless series of attacks on the Ukrainian power grid has been occurring almost daily, aiming to undermine the morale of the Ukrainian populace while also disrupting essential services and war-related manufacturing efforts nearly four years after the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Prime Minister Svyrydenko expressed that the objective of Russia is to throw Ukraine into darkness and despair, while the Ukrainian government’s goal remains to "keep the light on." She emphasized the urgent need for enhanced air defense systems, more stringent sanctions against Russia, and sustained international pressure to mitigate this ongoing crisis, especially in light of the unsuccessful diplomatic initiatives led by the United States to push for a peace negotiation.
In the southern Zaporizhzhia region, the strikes injured 17 people, including a young girl. According to Ivan Fedorov, the head of the Zaporizhzhia regional administration, rescuers worked to extract a man from the debris of a collapsed building, though he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Furthermore, local authorities reported damage to two energy infrastructure facilities in the western Lviv region, located near the border with Poland.
In response to the aggression against Ukrainian territory, the Polish military took precautionary measures by scrambling Polish and allied NATO aircraft. Additionally, regional airports in Radom and Lublin were temporarily closed to maintain operational freedom for military activities. This escalation highlights the broader regional implications and risks associated with the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains fluid as Ukraine continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the ongoing attacks. Authorities are working tirelessly to maintain essential services amidst these challenges, while international partners remain engaged in discussions around further support measures.
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