Russia has launched another large-scale attack on Ukraine’s power grid, according to Ukraine’s Energy Minister. The extent of the damage is not yet known as it is currently unsafe to leave shelters, the minister stated.
The minister described the attack as part of ongoing terror, with explosions reported in Odesa and air defenses activated in Kyiv. Even in Lviv, typically a calmer area, attacks were reported.
This marks the eleventh major attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year. The last attack on November 28 involved over 200 cruise missiles and drones.
Russia claims the attacks aim to disrupt Ukrainian arms production, though demoralizing the population is likely also a factor. These attacks have left millions without power during the winter.
The attack occurred a day after Ukrainian media reported that a prominent Russian missile scientist, Mikhail Shatski, was shot dead near Moscow, allegedly by Ukraine’s military intelligence. In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister again urged Western allies to provide more weapons, following U.S. President Biden’s recent pledge of a $500 million weapons package, including Himars rocket systems and radar-targeting missiles.
This comes as Biden aims to supply arms before his successor, Trump, who is less supportive of Ukraine, takes office in January.
Source: NOS