In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has launched a massive strike 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 were used to target facilities supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex.
The ministry stated that the operation was a direct response to Ukraine’s recent use of American-made ATACMS missiles in an attack on the Russian territory of Taganrog. “The strike’s objective was achieved. All facilities were hit,” the statement declared.
Ukraine reported that this assault represents one of the largest attacks on its energy system in over two years. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that 93 Russian missiles and nearly 200 drones were detected during the offensive, with Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepting 81 missiles.
Supporting these reports, Ukraine’s DTEK energy company confirmed on Friday that several power plants were severely damaged due to the missile strikes. The damage to the energy infrastructure is expected to have widespread impacts on the country’s power supply and industrial operations.
This development marks a sharp intensification in the conflict, with both nations engaging in significant military actions. The use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine and the subsequent large-scale response by Russia underscore the escalating tensions in the region.
(With input from agencies)
Reference(s):
Russia launches 'massive' strike on Ukraine after Kyiv's ATACMS use
cgtn.com
