Russia launches one of the largest aerial attacks on Ukraine's energy grid
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack against Ukraine's energy infrastructure early on Dec. 13, firing around 290 missiles and drones across multiple regions.
"The enemy continues its terror. Once again, the energy sector across Ukraine is under massive attack," Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said.
Air defense is active in Kyiv Oblast, the regional administration said. Explosions were also reported in the Odesa, Vinnytsia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Cherkasy oblasts. Russian forces deployed cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and the Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, the Air Force reported.
Russia launched at least 93 missiles, including those supplied by North Korea, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Eighty-one were shot down, including 11 intercepted by Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets.
Moscow's forces also deployed close to 200 drones, making it "one of the largest strikes on our energy grid," Zelensky said.
"As a result of the mass missile-drone attack, energy facilities in multiple regions were damaged," the state energy operator Ukrenergo said. Repair works are underway, but the scope of emergency shutdowns will increase, according to the statement.
Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast suffered the "most massive attack during the full-scale war," Governor Svitlana Onyshchuk announced. Cruise missiles and drones struck critical infrastructure facilities in the region, but no casualties were reported at the moment.
Six energy facilities were targeted in Lviv Oblast, according to regional authorities. Neighboring Ternopil Oblast was also impacted, the regional military administration said without revealing details.
"There are no casualties. Critical infrastructure facilities are operating normally," the Ternopil Oblast authorities said on Telegram. Earlier in the morning, officials said that half of the region's residents were without power due to emergency shutdowns.
Two people – employees of a civilian enterprise – were injured in the village of Myrne in Kharkiv Oblast, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported initially. The number of injuries later rose to four.
Five of Ukraine's nine operational nuclear reactor units have reduced power output due to the attack, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.
The Polish Air Force scrambled its fighter jets as Russian drones and missiles entered western Ukraine, a usual precaution Warsaw takes during Russian mass strikes.
"This is (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s 'peace' plan – destroying everything. This is how he wants to negotiate, by terrorizing millions of people," Zelensky said.
"Oil gives Putin enough money to believe in impunity. A strong reaction from the world is needed: a massive strike – a massive reaction."
Abbey Fenbert
