Ukraine Endures Another Mass Assault on Energy Infrastructure Amid Christmas Day Attack
In a devastating early morning assault on Christmas Day, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia fired over 70 missiles and deployed more than a hundred drones targeting Ukraine's electric grid and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the attacks, expressing that Vladimir Putin's decision to strike on such a significant day was a deliberate act of cruelty against the Ukrainian people. "What could be more inhumane than this?" Zelensky stated, emphasizing the specific focus on Ukraine's energy systems aimed at precipitating a nationwide blackout.
The Ukrainian Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, addressed the situation through social media, reassuring that the electric transmission system operator is working to limit consumption and mitigate negative consequences on the grid. He mentioned that a thorough assessment of the damages would be conducted once conditions permit.
Thunderous attacks rattled the regions of Poltava, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kharkiv, which were put on high alert due to the incoming cruise missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force has yet to provide a comprehensive overview of the attacks.
The DTEK energy operator reported that several thermal power plants sustained hits, leading to equipment damage, although specific details concerning the extent of the destruction have not been disclosed. This latest assault marks the thirteenth major attack on Ukraine's energy sector this year, highlighting the ongoing and relentless nature of the conflict that has impacted the nation significantly.
Reports from the administration of the Vinnytsia region confirmed damage to the energy infrastructure, but assured that electricity supply to consumers had already been reinstated. Similarly, the head of the Poltava administration indicated that while damages occurred to the electrical systems, fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
In addition to the devastating impacts on energy facilities, power outages were experienced in parts of Western Ukraine, particularly in regions such as Ivano-Frankivsk and Prykarpattia. The coordinated nature of the strikes raises serious concerns about the continuing aggression faced by Ukraine as the war persists into a new phase.
The resilience of the Ukrainian people and their energy workers remains under severe scrutiny as they strive to maintain power among the chaos brought on by these relentless attacks.
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