In brief
Overnight, at least six people died from Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, particularly in Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia. Despite Ukraine's air defenses intercepting many of the attacks, critical energy infrastructure was severely damaged. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced ongoing efforts to restore power as winter approaches. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for enhanced Western sanctions against Russian energy to apply pressure amidst these escalating attacks.
At least six people have died after Russia launched hundreds of missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure and residential targets in Ukraine overnight.A strike on an apartment building in the city of Dnipro killed two people and wounded 12, while three died in Zaporizhzhia. In all, 25 locations across Ukraine, including the capital city Kyiv, were hit, leaving many areas without electricity and heating. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on Telegram that major energy facilities were damaged in the Poltava, Kharkiv, and Kyiv regions, and work was under way to restore power.In Russia, the defence ministry said its forces had shot down 79 Ukrainian drones overnight.The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia had launched over 450 exploding bomber drones and 45 missiles, with nine missiles and 406 drones reportedly intercepted. The Ukrainian Energy Ministry stated there were power cuts in several regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhya, Odesa, and Kirovohrad, but restoration work was ongoing.Svyrydenko mentioned that critical infrastructure facilities had been reconnected, and water supply was maintained using generators.Authorities claim Russia's attacks on energy targets primarily target the Ukrainian military, yet they recognize the potential to harm morale and cripple Ukraine's economy. With the fourth winter approaching amidst the ongoing war, analysts suggest it will be a significant test of Ukraine's defensive resilience.President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for no exceptions in the sanctions on Russian energy to increase pressure on Moscow. This latest wave of attacks occurred shortly after The US granted Hungary exemptions from restrictions on Russian oil and gas. Zelensky underscored the connection between Russian energy sales and military capabilities, urging for coordinated responses from the US, Europe, and the G7 as the situation intensifies.
