Russia launches 'massive' overnight attack on Ukraine power grid

Ukraine reported that its energy infrastructure was severely targeted by Russia in a large-scale attack during the night, marking another strike against the nation's electricity network.

According to Ukraine's energy ministry, Russia has targeted energy infrastructure facilities for the eighth time in the last three months.

The Ukrainian air force reported that their air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 12 out of 16 missiles, as well as all 13 drones that were launched by Russia across multiple regions during the night.

Two power plant workers were injured and transported to the hospital in the Zaporizhzhia area, and power equipment was harmed in the Western city of Lviv, according to officials.

In the area of Ivano-Frankivsk in the southwest, officials have also noted destruction to homes and a preschool.

Russia has started attacking Ukrainian energy sites again this spring and early summer, leading to many power outages throughout the country. President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Moscow has damaged almost half of Ukraine's ability to generate electricity since the attacks began at the end of March.

The second attack on energy infrastructure this week occurred on Saturday night.

Last Thursday, officials in Ukraine reported that seven workers were injured and energy facilities, including a power plant, were harmed in a significant attack that occurred during the night.

Ukraine is currently sourcing energy from the European Union, but this isn't sufficient to cover the shortfall.

This means that on most days, there is a scheduled blackout across the entire country to safeguard important facilities like hospitals and military bases.

"We must act quickly to restrict air traffic over Ukraine or there will be a major problem this winter," warned Maxim Timchenko, the CEO of DTEK, a leading private energy company in Ukraine.

I urge our supporters to assist us in protecting our energy infrastructure and aiding in its restoration promptly.

Mr. Zelensky has asked Ukraine's friends to send more weapons to protect their airspace. He has specifically asked for seven advanced air defence systems known as Patriots from the United States.

Ivan Fedorov, the governor of Zaporizhzhia, repeated Mr. Zelensky's message on Saturday morning in a post on Telegram.

We can be certain that the enemy will not give up. Ukraine requires air defense systems, he stated.

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, announced on Thursday that the United States will prioritize delivering Patriot missiles to Ukraine over other countries that have also placed orders.