KYIV: Russia unleashed a barrage of 100 missiles and drones on Ukraine overnight, targeting critical energy sites across the country, Ukrainian officials reported on Saturday.
Extensive Aerial Assault on Energy Facilities
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 53 missiles of various types and 47 attack drones. Despite the intensive assault, Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down 35 missiles and all but one of the drones. This latest attack is part of a prolonged campaign by Russia, which has seen hundreds of aerial strikes aimed at Ukraine’s power infrastructure over the past two years, resulting in extensive damage and energy shortages.
Damage to Thermal Power Plants
DTEK, a major energy operator, confirmed that two thermal power plants were damaged in the attack, though the specific locations were not disclosed. “It was another extremely difficult night for the Ukrainian energy sector. The enemy struck two of our thermal power plants. The equipment was seriously damaged,” the company stated on Telegram. This marks the sixth significant attack on DTEK’s thermal power plants since mid-March.
Widespread Targeting Across Regions
Ukraine’s Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, indicated that the attacks were spread across five regions: Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovograd, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Zaporizhzhia. These areas range from near the eastern frontlines to western regions bordering the European Union. Due to the damage inflicted, the ministry warned of potential power restrictions on Saturday evening.
Calls for Enhanced Air Defense
President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his call for increased support from Western allies, particularly in the form of more air defense systems. He accused Russia of attempting to exploit a perceived lack of “determination” among Ukraine’s key Western backers. “Russia’s main goal is to normalize terror, to exploit the lack of sufficient air defense and determination of Ukraine’s partners,” Zelensky stated in a social media post. He emphasized the global stakes, saying, “This is a test of humanity and determination for the free world. Either we pass this test together, or the world will plunge into even greater destabilization and chaos.”