Ukraine Fends Off New Missile Attack on Energy System
Russia’s Campaign Against Ukraine’s Power Grid Continues
KYIV, Ukraine – Ukraine said Friday that it was fending off a new missile attack on its energy system, the latest in Russia’s campaign targeting the war-torn country’s power grid during the winter season. Russia has escalated its strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, plunging hundreds of thousands into temporary blackouts as temperatures hit zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).
Energy Sector Under Massive Attack
"The enemy continues its terror. Once again, the energy sector across Ukraine is under massive attack," said Energy Minister German Galushchenko. The air raid alert had been announced since 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and channels monitoring threats reported missiles over several regions of Ukraine.
Russia’s Aims and Ukraine’s Response
Russia has conducted at least 11 large-scale strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the beginning of the year, according to official figures. Moscow has previously acknowledged striking Ukraine’s energy sites but says they are legitimate targets as they "support the Ukrainian defense industry enterprises." Ukrainian officials have repeatedly denounced the attacks on the energy system as attempts to break the population’s morale, and urged allies to send more air defense.
Power Deficit and Outages
To manage the power deficit, Ukraine’s energy operator has been implementing hours-long outages. It announced increased restrictions on Friday following the attack. Ukrainian officials are urging the public to be prepared for potential power cuts and to follow safety guidelines.
Foreign Minister’s Reaction
Reacting to the latest strike, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga reiterated that call. "Russia aims to deprive us of energy. Instead, we must deprive it of the means of terror," he said on social media.
FAQs
- What is the current situation with Ukraine’s energy system?
The energy sector in Ukraine is under massive attack, with hundreds of thousands experiencing temporary blackouts due to Russia’s missile strikes. - How many large-scale strikes has Russia conducted on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure?
According to official figures, Russia has conducted at least 11 large-scale strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the beginning of the year. - What is Ukraine’s response to the attacks?
Ukraine is urging its allies to send more air defense and is working to implement hours-long outages to manage the power deficit. - What is Moscow’s stance on the attacks?
Moscow has acknowledged striking Ukraine’s energy sites, claiming they are legitimate targets that support the Ukrainian defense industry enterprises.