Russia launched missile on Ukraine energy grid

• The attack, involving over 50 missiles and 20 drones, targets seven regions across the country.
• Zelensky drew parallels between the German invasion of the Soviet Union and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
• The latest campaign by Russia targeting Ukraine’s energy grid began in March.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia launched a “massive” early morning missile and drone attack on energy facilities across Ukraine. He stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the attack utilized more than 50 missiles and 20 drones. This assault represents the latest in a series of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, with Moscow asserting it as a legitimate military target.

The strikes targeted seven regions across the country and occurred on a major national holiday commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War 2.

Mr. Zelensky, writing on social media, drew parallels between the German invasion of the Soviet Union and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime as “Moscow Nazis”.

The Russian defense ministry stated that its attacks were in response to Ukrainian strikes on their energy facilities. Ukraine has targeted several Russian oil facilities in recent weeks, prompting Russia to bombard Ukrainian power plants since the start of winter in 2022.

The latest campaign by Russia targeting Ukraine’s energy grid began in March. Waves of attacks have compelled authorities in Ukraine to impose rolling blackouts in several regions.

On Tuesday, Mr. Putin took the oath for his fifth term as president and declared that Russia would emerge even stronger through a “difficult pivotal period.”

President Zelensky accused Russia of “demonstrating that Nazism has resurfaced with each new crime.”

“This time, it simply has a new label: ‘Made in Russia.'”

According to Ukraine’s largest energy provider, DTEK, Wednesday’s attack seriously damaged at least three thermal power plants, marking the fifth assault on the company’s facilities in seven weeks.

The energy provider reported that its teams were on site and actively working to restore power, despite already having 80% of its generating capacity damaged or destroyed.

“The energy these power stations produce allows millions of Ukrainians to live with dignity,” said Chief Executive Maxim Timchenko. “We will not stop working to restore power at our facilities.”

Ukraine’s energy ministry stated that there “may be limitations to energy supply” for industrial consumers between 18:00 (16:00 BST) and 23:00 due to the damage.

Ukrainian officials said the strikes focused on key energy and transport sites in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv. They added that Soviet-era power plants and gas storage facilities were among the targets.

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