Ukraine has reported a “massive” attack on its energy facilities by Russia overnight, marking the eighth such assault on the country’s power grid in the past three months, according to Ukraine’s energy ministry.
The Ukrainian air force stated that air defense systems successfully downed 12 of the 16 missiles and all 13 drones launched by Russia at various regions throughout the night.
Officials reported that two energy workers were wounded and hospitalized in the Zaporizhzhia region, while energy equipment was damaged in Lviv.
Damage to houses and a kindergarten was also reported in the south-western region of Ivano-Frankivsk.
Russia’s renewed campaign of strikes on Ukrainian energy targets over the spring and early summer has led to frequent blackouts across the country.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that Moscow had destroyed half of Ukraine’s electricity-generating capacity since the attacks began in late March.
Saturday night’s attack marked the second targeting of energy infrastructure this week. On Thursday, Ukrainian authorities reported seven employees wounded and damage to energy infrastructure, including a power station, in a major overnight attack.
While Ukraine is purchasing energy from the European Union, it is not enough to cover the deficit.
Consequently, most days involve planned nationwide blackouts to protect critical infrastructure such as hospitals and military facilities.
“We urgently need to close our skies or Ukraine faces a serious crisis this winter,” the chief executive DTEK, of one of Ukraine’s largest private energy companies, Maxim Timchenko said.
“My plea to allies is to help us defend our energy system and rebuild in time.”
Mr Zelensky has repeatedly called on Ukraine’s allies to send more air defence systems. He has specifically requested seven sophisticated air defence systems called Patriots from the US.
Ivan Fedorov, Zaporizhzhia’s governor, echoed Mr Zelensky’s message on Saturday morning in a message posted to Telegram.
“We can say for sure: the enemy will not stop. Ukraine needs air defence systems.” he said.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Thursday that Washington would put Ukraine at the top of the queue for Patriot deliveries, ahead of other countries that have ordered them.