Several explosions occurred in various cities in Ukraine early on Thursday morning,
According to Ukrainian officials, these attacks which were carried out by Russia targeted the country’s energy infrastructure and resulted in the hospitalization of at least three people in the capital. The assault included the launch of numerous missiles.
Air raid sirens were heard throughout Ukraine at 6 a.m. and explosions were reported in Kyiv and other cities including Odessa, Kharkiv, and Lviv. Officials in these regions shared reports of missile attacks on social media. It is unclear if the explosions were from strikes or air defenses.
The Washington Post, journalists in Kyiv heard the first explosion around an hour after the air raid sirens were sounded.
According to a statement from Ukraine’s Air Force on Telegram, the country is under attack from various directions, including air and sea-based cruise missiles launched from strategic aircraft and ships. The Air Force described the assault as a “massive missile attack.
Russian Force Strategy to Destroy Energy Supplies in Ukraine
Since October, Russia has launched attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure with the intention of disrupting the country’s utilities, including electricity, heat, and water, during the winter months.
This strategy is meant to weaken the Ukrainian government and its ability to continue fighting the ongoing conflict. However, this tactic has had limited success so far.
This was the first major missile attack in about two weeks and occurred just days before the New Year’s holidays. In addition to this attack, Russian forces also launched an assault using self-destructing drones on Ukrainian energy facilities last week.
Also Read: Russia Missiles Attack on Ukraine: Deadliest in Russian-Ukraine War
Photos from wire services show rescue workers responding to the damage in Kyiv and residents seeking shelter in a subway station.
According to Ukraine’s military, a total of 69 missiles were launched, with 54 being intercepted by the country’s air defense systems. The Washington Post was unable to independently verify these figures.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko stated on his Telegram channel that Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 16 Russian missiles in the capital. Meanwhile, Odessa Governor Maksym Marchenko reported that 21 missiles were destroyed in his region.
Despite the interception of some missiles, the attack caused significant damage and resulted in injuries.
Klitschko reported that missile fragments hit a residential home and three people, including a 14-year-old girl, were injured in the capital. The attack also disrupted power for 40% of Kyiv residents, though heat and water services were reportedly not affected.
According to the head of the Kyiv Military Administration, Serhiy Popko, three districts in the capital were targeted in the attack, including an industrial facility and a children’s playground.
The governor of the Kyiv region, Oleksiy Kuleba, reported during a television broadcast that a number of houses and a medical facility were damaged outside of the capital during the attack, which lasted for five hours.
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi reported that 90% of the city was without electricity following the explosions.
Odessa Governor Marchenko stated that missiles had hit energy infrastructure in the region, leading to emergency blackouts.