Russia launched nearly 120 missiles and drones against Ukraine’s energy grid on Wednesday, a new “massive” attack that caused power outages in several regions of Ukraine, during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Poland.
These strikes come the day after Ukraine claimed “the most massive attack” on Russian soil since the start of the war, which targeted, according to kyiv, industrial and military sites in several regions of Russia.
“In the middle of winter, the Russians’ target remains unchanged: our energy sector. Among the targets are gas infrastructure and energy installations that ensure normal life for the population,” denounced Mr. Zelensky on social networks.
Russia has regularly targeted Ukraine’s power grid since its invasion began three years ago, causing widespread power outages across Ukraine.
“This morning, the armed forces […] launched a group attack with high-precision weapons and attack drones on critical gas and energy infrastructure that supports Ukraine’s military-industrial complex,” the Russian military confirmed in a statement.
Moscow used 43 ballistic and cruise missiles and 74 combat drones, of which 30 and 47 were shot down, respectively, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The strikes particularly targeted the regions of Kharkiv (north-east), Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk (west).
Volodymyr Zelensky once again urged his country’s Western allies to “strengthen the Ukrainian air shield” and keep their promises, which “have not yet been fully implemented.”
Zelensky à Varsovie
The Ukrainian head of state arrived in the morning in Poland, an important ally of kyiv which has just taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union.
“The targets [visées par la Russie] were very close to our border with Poland,” stressed Mr. Zelensky.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured him that Warsaw will help “accelerate” Ukraine’s accession to the European Union (EU).
“The sooner Ukraine is in the EU, the sooner Ukraine becomes a member of NATO, the more we interact, the sooner the whole of Europe will obtain the geopolitical certainty it needs,” argued Ms. .Zelensky.
According to the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, the two leaders must discuss “war, weapons, sanctions” and the historical differences that hamper relations between their two countries to this day.
-Attacks near Poland
The support of Poland, a driving force within the EU, is very important for kyiv, particularly in the context of Republican Donald Trump’s return to the White House on Monday and doubts about the sustainability of the American commitment to towards Ukraine.
As is often the case, the Polish army took off its fighter planes during the Russian attack which affected western regions of Ukraine, including Lviv, which borders Poland.
In this territory, “two essential infrastructure sites were affected in the districts of Drogobych and Stryï”, indicated its governor, Maksym Kozytsky. One of the missiles fell in a field, without exploding, he added.
In the neighboring region of Ivano-Frankivsk, the attack targeted “essential infrastructure sites”, without causing any casualties, said its governor, Svitlana Onychchouk.
Vast air attack on kyiv
The national electricity operator Ukrenergo subsequently announced emergency power cuts for several hours in seven regions.
The Russian strikes come the day after an air attack claimed by Ukraine as “the most significant” on Russian soil since the start of the war. This Ukrainian attack targeted oil refineries and fuel depots, as well as chemical factories manufacturing, according to kyiv, components for the Russian military sector.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, six American ATACMS missiles and six British Storm Shadow missiles were involved.
Russia has promised a systematic response to any Western missile strike on its territory, and has threatened to target the center of kyiv or even to use its new experimental Orechnik hypersonic missile.
The Russian army, which has been advancing for more than a year in eastern Ukraine, also announced on Wednesday the capture of the small town of Ukrainka, located southeast of the city of Pokrovsk, its target. main in the Donetsk region.
Moscow and kyiv also announced on Wednesday that they had exchanged 25 Ukrainians for 25 Russian soldiers detained by kyiv, the two countries regularly carrying out this type of repatriation under Emirati mediation.
