On Sunday morning, 17 November, Ukraine was hit by a massive missile attack from Russia, the largest since August. The explosions took place in Kyiv and a number of other cities in the country, causing serious damage to the energy infrastructure on the eve of the winter season. This was reported by Reuters.

The target of the attacks is the power grid

Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko confirmed that energy facilities, including electricity generation and transmission, have become the main target of the enemy.

“The enemy is attacking electricity generation and transmission facilities across Ukraine,” the minister wrote on Facebook.

In several regions, including Kyiv, power companies were forced to cut off power supply to mitigate possible damage. In Odesa, the attacks also caused interruptions in heat, water and electricity supply.

In the capital, debris from downed drones damaged a five-storey building, causing a fire. At least two people were injured, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian troops launched about 120 missiles and 90 drones during last night’s combined strike. Ukrainian air defence forces are focused on repelling the attacks, although the enemy is using drones to overwhelm the air defence system.

Moscow justifies the strikes

The Russian Defence Ministry said that the strikes were aimed at energy facilities that supply the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, as well as a military airfield.

The last such large-scale strike was carried out by Russia on 26 August, when the country was attacked by more than 200 missiles and drones, killing seven people.

The Ukrainian authorities have long warned of such attacks, as damage to the power grid could lead to prolonged power outages and become an instrument of psychological pressure from Russia.