In a brutal attack on Friday, Russia unleashed a wave of missiles and drones on Ukraine, targeting key infrastructure across the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it one of the most intense assaults on Ukraine’s energy system since the war began nearly three years ago.
A staggering 93 missiles and almost 200 drones were fired in the attack. Thanks to Ukraine’s air defenses, 81 missiles were intercepted, including 11 cruise missiles shot down by Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets.
“This is terrorizing millions of people,” Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel, urging the world to respond firmly. “We need a strong and united reaction. Only a massive response can stop this terror.”
The attack comes at a time of uncertainty about the future of international support for Ukraine. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office next month, has pledged to bring an end to the war, leaving questions about whether America’s military aid to Ukraine will continue.
Friday’s strikes weren’t just about energy infrastructure. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv reported that transport networks and other critical facilities were also targeted.
Russia has repeatedly tried to cripple Ukraine’s power grid, aiming to leave civilians without electricity, heating, or water during the harsh winter months. The goal, many believe, is to break the spirit of the people and disrupt Ukraine’s ability to produce weapons and defend itself.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko praised the country’s energy workers for their quick action to limit the damage, promising updates on repairs as soon as it’s safe to do so.
The attacks followed a grim pattern. Overnight, waves of drones and missiles filled Ukrainian skies, with Russia even deploying its powerful Kinzhal ballistic missiles in the country’s western regions. Moscow claims these strikes are meant to weaken Ukraine’s defense industry, targeting the production of weapons like drones, missiles, and artillery.
Just weeks ago, on November 28, a similar large-scale attack left over a million households in the dark until emergency crews restored power. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is stockpiling missiles for more such strikes.
Adding to the tension, Russia recently used its intermediate-range hypersonic Oreshnik missile for the first time, hitting an industrial site in the city of Dnipro. Russian President Vladimir Putin called it retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil using longer-range Western weapons.
As the war rages on, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the global community’s response will play a crucial role in shaping what comes next.
