Large-scale Russian aerial strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has become an almost daily event, but Wednesday saw a “massive” wave of Russian missiles launched on vital power grid sites, according to Ukraine authorities.
Ukraine is now warning of nationwide power cuts. “Russians have launched a new massive attack on thermal and hydroelectric power plants,” the state-owned Ukrenergo energy operator announced. “There may be power cuts for household and industrial consumers across Ukraine… due to new damage to the equipment of Ukrainian power plants caused by Russian strikes.”
Energy facilities across six regions were targeted, with Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko saying, “The enemy has not abandoned plans to deprive Ukrainians of light” following “another massive attack on our energy industry.”
This latest attack saw at least three thermal plants belonging to the country’s largest private energy operator DTEK badly damaged.
Russia has sustained these strikes ostensibly in response to Ukraine forces’ ongoing cross-border attacks which have also targeted Russian energy. Moscow upped its air attacks on Ukraine following repeat Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.