Energy, Russia’s other war in Ukraine – Libération

A massive Russian attack, one of the worst since the start of the invasion, targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure this Sunday, November 17. Power and heating cuts could push millions of residents into exile during the winter.

This is the other front of the war in Ukraine. It does not materialize in trenches, troop movements or defensive lines. It is not a question of Russia invading towns and villages. Its goal is to make them unlivable by destroying the energy infrastructure that provides electricity, gas, heating and water to their residents, businesses and basic services, including hospitals.

This Sunday, November 17, an attack «massive», according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, targeted the Ukrainian energy sector. “A hellish night”, added the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yurii Ignat. According to him, 120 missiles and 90 drones were launched by Russian forces, of which 144 were shot down by air defense. Moscow did not seek to deny it. On the contrary, he claimed to have achieved “all” its targets during a massive attack against “critical energy infrastructure that supported Ukraine’s military-industrial complex.” Ukraine announced nationwide electricity restrictions from Monday.

Avoid informing Russia

The Ukrainian government has not indicated precisely which power plants or nodes through which electricity passes have been affected, and especially not to what degree.