Russian forces launched a nighttime barrage of more than 50 cruise missiles and explosive drones targeting Ukraine’s power grid, causing widespread damage in seven regions, including Kyiv. This attack comes on the day the country celebrates the defeat of Nazism in World War II. The bombardment injured three people, including an 8-year-old girl, and has damaged nearly half of Ukraine’s power infrastructure since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, amounting to an estimated $12.5 billion in damages.
The continuous assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure aim to cripple the country’s manufacturing and military plants, as well as crush public morale. These attacks drain Ukrainian air defenses of ammunition, leaving Kyiv’s forces vulnerable while they await promised Western military support, including NATO-standard air defense systems like Patriots. Ukrainian officials have been pleading for more air defense resources to fend off Russian aggression.
President Zelenskyy compared Ukraine’s current struggle with the historical conflict of World War II, emphasizing the need for a united effort from the free world to stop Russian aggression. The attacks on Wednesday coincided with Ukraine’s observance of the end of European fighting in World War II, which was previously commemorated on May 9 but was changed to a different date to avoid aligning with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.
Russia has framed these attacks as retaliatory measures in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. Moscow’s relentless bombardments have caused significant damage to Ukraine’s energy facilities, including the destruction of the Trypilska power plant near Kyiv. Russian forces have also targeted oil terminals, resulting in injuries and fires. The front line of the conflict has remained relatively stable, but Russia has made small gains in certain areas as Ukraine contends with a shortage of manpower and weapons.
The latest attacks on Ukraine’s power grid have left several regions, including Lviv in the far west, without critical energy supply. The country’s biggest private energy supplier, DTEK, reported significant damages to its thermal power plants as a result of the assaults. Ukrainian air defenses managed to down a significant number of missiles and drones launched by Russian forces overnight, but infrastructure, including railway stations and educational facilities, sustained damage.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has left countless civilians injured and displaced, with children among the casualties in recent attacks. In the face of relentless aggression from Russian forces, Ukraine continues to seek support from the international community to defend against further assaults on its sovereignty and infrastructure. The conflict shows no signs of abating as both sides engage in a protracted battle for control, with the civilian population bearing the brunt of the violence and destruction.
