In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia has launched massive missile strikes against Ukraine’s critical fuel and energy infrastructure. The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Friday that high-precision, long-range air and sea-based weapons targeted facilities supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex.
The ministry stated that the strikes were in direct response to Ukraine’s recent use of American-made ATACMS missiles, which were reportedly used to attack the Russian territory of Taganrog. “The strike’s objective was achieved. All facilities were hit,” the statement added.
Ukraine experienced one of the largest assaults on its energy system in over two years. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that 93 Russian missiles and nearly 200 drones were detected during the attack. Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down 81 of the incoming missiles, mitigating some of the potential damage.
The country’s leading energy company, DTEK, confirmed that several power plants were severely damaged in the missile strikes. The attacks have raised concerns about potential energy shortages as winter approaches.
This latest development marks a new phase in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the escalating use of advanced weaponry and the increasing impact on civilian infrastructure.
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Russia launches 'massive' strike on Ukraine after Kyiv's ATACMS use
cgtn.com