Russia has launched more than 70 missiles and drones in one of its largest barrages against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The attacks were directed at facilities in Kyiv and six other cities. Moscow continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in the hope of denting industry and public appetite for fighting back against its invasion.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Russia has conducted one of its most significant assaults against Ukraine, launching over seventy missiles and drones at the country's energy infrastructure. This extensive operation targeted facilities in Kyiv and six additional cities, marking a continued effort by Moscow to weaken Ukraine's industrial capabilities and its population's resistance by crippling the energy sector.

According to reports, amidst efforts to intercept these attacks, Ukrainian air defences were unable to prevent some of the incoming threats. Explosions were reported across various regions, indicating the wide reach of this offensive. The Ukrainian government disclosed that the barrage consisted of 50 missiles and 20 drones. These attacks have inflicted partial damage in the Kyiv region, with the country's thermoelectric plants bearing the brunt of the destruction.

As a consequence of these aggressive actions, significant sections of Ukraine now face power shortages. It has been reported that up to 80% of DTEK's thermoelectric generating capacity has been compromised. However, the impact of the barrage extends beyond the energy sector, signaling broader ramifications for Ukraine's position in the ongoing conflict. Russian forces have made incremental advances in eastern Ukraine, and Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has experienced nearly continuous shelling.

Amidst these military assaults, Ukraine's security services have reportedly thwarted an assassination attempt on President Volodymyr Zelensky, coordinated by the Russian secret service. Two high-ranking Ukrainian officers tasked with the protection of senior officials, including Zelensky, have been detained in connection with this scheme. In a defiant speech commemorating the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, President Zelensky drew parallels between the historical fight against Nazism and the current struggle against what he termed "Russian fascism."

Zelensky's remarks highlighted the brutal actions attributed to Russian forces, including murder, torture, and the destruction of civilian locales. During his address, Zelensky found himself in a school basement, a site where nearly 400 residents were reportedly detained by Russian forces last year. Meanwhile, Ukraine awaits the arrival of military aid from the United States and European allies, some of which has started to arrive while the bulk remains pending, leaving Russia to capitalize on the interim.



Russia targets Ukraine energy infrastructure in barrage of attacks

A Kyiv searchlight trying to pick out drones in the early hours of Wednesday. But the Ukrainian air defences couldn't stop them all. Explosions were heard in several parts of the country. Russian forces launched 50 missiles and 20 drones, said the Ukrainian government. There was some damage in the Kyiv region, but the main victim was the country's thermoelectric plants. Parts of Ukraine are now struggling for power. Already 80% of DTEK's thermoelectric generating capacity has been destroyed, it said. But it's not just the energy sector suffering. Ukraine's really on the back foot now in this war. Russian forces are inching forwards on parts of the front line in the east and its second city, Kharkiv, is under almost constant bombardment. Add to that the Ukrainian security service says it's just foiled an attempt by the Russian secret service on President Volodymyr Zelensky's life. Two Ukrainian colonels in the unit that's meant to protect him and other senior leaders have been arrested. The president himself, speaking to mark the anniversary of the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany, was defiant. 80 years ago, millions of Ukrainians fought to make Nazism lose forever. But again today, Ukrainians are preventing the evil which was revived and wants to destroy us again. An inhumane army is murdering, torturing, and sweeping civilian cities and villages off the face of the soil. This evil is called Russian fascism. He was in a school basement where almost 400 residents were held by Russian forces in 2022. Ukraine's still waiting for weaponry promised by the United States and its European allies. Some is trickling in, but while the rest has yet to arrive, Russia's pressing home its advantage. John Holman, Al Jazeera, Kyiv.

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Ukraine Invasion