Russia has unleashed a massive missile strike at Ukraine, damaging four power plants in the latest barrage targeting the country's energy supply, officials in Kyiv said.

Kharkiv

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 Targets Ukrainian Energy Supplies in Fresh Strikes

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia has conducted a massive missile strike against Ukraine, officials in Kyiv have reported. The attack focused on crippling the country's energy infrastructure, resulting in damage to four power plants. This latest offensive is part of a series of actions aimed at Ukraine's energy supply.

During the attack, a hospital complex in Kharkiv narrowly missed direct impact yet suffered from the blast's aftermath—resulting in the loss of electricity and water supply. The strike not only shattered the windows of the hospital, which housed 63 patients at the time but also intensified fears for the safety of both patients and medical staff. The nature of these strikes indicates a worrying trend of civilian targets being compromised.

In a detailed account of the events, it has been revealed that Russian missiles targeted power facilities across central and western Ukraine. A total of 34 cruise and ballistic missiles were launched, with Ukrainian air defense forces managing to intercept 21 of these. These attacks are thought to be part of a larger strategy by Moscow to exert pressure on Ukraine ahead of significant dates such as the May 9th nationwide celebrations in Russia, commemorating victory in World War II.

In response to the escalating threat, Ukraine has emphasized the urgent need for advanced air defense systems to protect its skies, particularly over regions like Kharkiv to prevent them from facing a fate similar to Aleppo. In support of Ukraine’s defense, the United States has announced a substantial aid package totaling $6 billion. This package will include Patriot missiles, additional munitions for existing surface-to-air missile systems, and further equipment to enhance the integration of Western air defense systems, including launches, missiles, and radars.



Russia targets Ukrainian energy supplies in fresh strikes

A crate the size of a courtyard. The aftermath of an overnight Russian missile strike. Narrowly missing the block with 63 patients inside, this hospital complex in Kharkiv avoided mass casualties, but is left without electricity and water supply. The missiles hit, smashing all the windows. I was very scared for the patients and for myself. The Russians are striking civilian targets. Russian missiles pounded power facilities in central and western Ukraine on Saturday, with Moscow firing 34 cruise and ballistic missiles, 21 of which were shot down by Ukrainian air defence. Kyiv says Moscow is escalating attacks ahead of nationwide celebrations on May 9th, when Russia marks victory in World War II, and while Ukraine awaits the arrival of crucial US weapons. The main task is to close the sky over Kharkiv. For this, we need the most modern air defences. This can of course only be achieved with the help of our international partners. I've said it before, but the international community must unite in order to prevent Kharkiv from turning into another Aleppo. To help protect Ukraine's skies, Washington has announced it will provide Patriot missiles as part of a massive $6 billion additional aid, a package which also includes more munitions for surface-to-air missile systems, as well as additional gear to integrate Western air defence launches, missiles and radars.

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Ukraine Invasion