Russia Pummels Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure as Kiev Seeks More Air Defenses

Russian missiles and drones targeted energy infrastructure in cities across Ukraine. The attack was one of Moscow’s largest during the war and came as Kiev is desperately seeking air defense systems. 

Ukrainian officials reported Russia used 70 missiles and drones during the attack. The Kremlin says some of the munitions used were Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Ukrainian officials said significant damage was done to its energy infrastructure, and Russia claimed the attack achieved its goals.

“The goals of the strike were achieved. All the designated targets were destroyed,” the Russian Defense Ministry stated. “The strike substantially degraded Ukraine’s capabilities for rolling out military products and deploying Western-made armaments and military equipment to the line of combat engagement.” 

The Kremlin claimed the strikes were in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy targets. “In retaliation to the Kiev regime’s attempts to inflict damage on Russia’s energy facilities, the Russian Armed Forces delivered a combined strike…against Ukrainian energy sites and military-industrial enterprises,” the Defense Ministry statement explained. 

Ukrainian officials said targets were hit in seven cities, and three people were injured. Ukraine’s biggest private electricity supplier said it has now lost 80% of its capacity to generate energy. 

The Russian attack comes as Ukraine is struggling to defend its territory and its cities. Ukrainian leaders have pleaded with their Western backers for additional air defenses and missiles as Kiev is increasingly unable to ward off Russian aircraft and missile strikes, leaving some of its airspaces virtually undefended.