KYIV (The COW News Digital) Russia launched a major airstrike on Ukraine using hypersonic missiles and drones, targeting military and energy infrastructure and plunging over one million homes into darkness. The attack, which occurred on Saturday night, severely disrupted Ukraine’s power grid and caused widespread concern across the country.
According to Ukrainian officials, the powerful wave of strikes hit energy and industrial facilities, causing large-scale power outages and damage to civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian forces launched over 450 drones and at least 30 missiles, affecting multiple residential and utility installations.
The Ukrainian Interior Minister confirmed that the attacks targeted five different regions, resulting in at least five injuries. Rescue teams and utility workers are working tirelessly to extinguish fires and restore electricity to affected areas. The extensive strikes have created significant logistical challenges for authorities, particularly amid the ongoing cold weather, which threatens the well-being of millions of civilians.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the operations, claiming that the strikes were conducted in response to previous Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian targets. Russian officials stated that the attacks specifically targeted Ukraine’s military and energy facilities and involved the use of advanced weapons, including the Kinzhal hypersonic missile.
The recent strikes mark one of the largest single-day assaults on Ukraine’s infrastructure since the conflict escalated. Analysts warn that repeated attacks on the energy grid not only disrupt daily life but also strain Ukraine’s defense and emergency response capabilities.
The Ukrainian government has called on international partners to provide immediate support to repair critical infrastructure and assist affected civilians. The power outages are expected to exacerbate hardships for millions of residents during the winter months, raising humanitarian concerns.
The attacks underscore the increasing intensity and technological sophistication of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. Observers note that the use of hypersonic missiles represents a significant escalation, highlighting both the vulnerability of Ukraine’s infrastructure and the growing challenges for its armed forces and emergency services.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with emergency teams working around the clock to restore power, assess damage, and ensure civilian safety. Ukraine’s leadership emphasized resilience and the need for coordinated efforts to protect citizens and maintain essential services.
