In a devastating onslaught, Russia launched a large-scale attack on electrical power facilities across Ukraine, including targeting the country’s largest hydroelectric plant. The assault, which occurred overnight, resulted in widespread power outages and claimed the lives of at least five people, according to Ukrainian officials.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the attack involved the use of more than 60 drones and approximately 90 rockets, marking one of the most extensive assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the conflict began. The targeted hydroelectric plant, the Dnipro Hydroelectric Station, supplies electricity to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear installation.
The attack also caused blackouts in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, and disrupted critical air-raid siren systems. Additionally, areas in western Ukraine, far from the front lines, were also targeted, resulting in casualties and trapping over 1,000 miners in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Last winter, Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leading to frequent blackouts across the country. Concerns had been raised that Russia might employ a similar strategy ahead of this winter. However, instead of focusing solely on energy targets, Russia has launched massive missile and drone attacks primarily aimed at Ukraine’s defense industry.
The ongoing attacks have significantly depleted Ukraine’s capabilities to repel Russian missiles, prompting Zelenskyy to urge Western allies for weeks to provide additional air defense systems and ammunition. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the international response to the crisis due to delays in aid from the U.S.
Despite the destruction caused by the attacks, Ukrainian authorities have emphasized that the dam at the hydroelectric station is not in danger of breaching. A breach could disrupt supplies to the nuclear plant and potentially cause severe flooding, similar to last year’s incident when a significant dam downstream collapsed.
In response to the attacks, Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s actions, stating that the world could see Russia’s targets, including power plants, energy supply lines, residential buildings, and even a trolleybus. He emphasized that Russia is fighting against the ordinary life of people.
Russian officials, on the other hand, reported casualties from Ukrainian shelling near the border. The attacks have targeted regions that have been subject to shelling and drone attacks in recent weeks, with Ukrainian attempts to cross into Russian territory reportedly being repelled.
The recent escalation in attacks highlights the intensifying conflict between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact and the potential for further destabilization in the region.
