Russia launches missile, drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has launched a massive early morning missile and drone attack on energy facilities across Ukraine.

Writing on his X handle, Zelensky said more than 50 missiles and 20 drones were used in the attack.

It marks the latest in a string of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, which Moscow insists is a legitimate military target.

The strikes targeted seven regions across the country and took place on a major national holiday commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Writing on social media, Mr Zelensky drew parallels between the German invasion of the Soviet Union and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime as “Moscow Nazis. ”

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Russia’s defence ministry said its attacks were in response to Ukrainian strikes on their energy facilities.

While Ukraine has targeted several Russian oil facilities in recent weeks, Russia has bombarded Ukrainian power plants ever since the start of winter in 2022.

The latest Russian campaign targeting Ukraine’s energy grid began in March.

Waves of attacks have forced authorities in Ukraine to impose rolling blackouts in several regions.

According to Ukraine’s largest energy provider, DTEK, at least three thermal power plants were seriously damaged in Wednesday’s attack, the fifth on the company’s facilities in seven weeks.

The energy provider said its teams were on site and working to restore power, although 80 per cent of its generating capacity had already been damaged or destroyed.

According to Chief Executive Maxim Timchenko: “The energy these power stations produce allows millions of Ukrainians to live with dignity. We will not stop working to restore power at our facilities.”

Ukraine’s energy ministry said that there “may be limitations to energy supply” for industrial consumers between 18:00 (16:00 BST) and 23:00 as a result of the damage.