Russia Targets Energy Infrastructure in Northern Ukraine

Russia conducted missile and drone attacks targeting energy infrastructure in northern Ukraine, causing significant damage and blackouts. Ukrainian forces intercepted most of the drones and missiles. The attacks have intensified as the war continues, leading Ukraine to rely on imported electricity amid frequent power cuts.

Russia launched a missile and drone assault against northern Ukraine's energy infrastructure overnight, setting off a massive fire in the western part of the country, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine's air force commander reported that their forces managed to shoot down three ballistic missiles and 25 out of 26 drones in the nine-region assault. However, an energy facility in the northeastern Sumy region was hit, causing blackouts for 72 settlements and more than 18,500 consumers.

Energy workers are racing to repair the damage, the regional administration stated via Telegram. Despite daily bombardments over the last six months, Ukraine continues to face power shortages, making up for the deficit by purchasing electricity from neighboring EU countries. A recent attack also targeted an industrial facility and fuel reservoir in Ternopil, causing authorities to urge residents to stay indoors while over 90 firefighters tackled the blaze.

Authorities claim the situation is under control, and an attack on Kyiv was repelled without major damage or casualties. Moscow has not commented on the latest attacks, as both sides continue to claim they only target military-critical facilities. Ongoing conflicts have seen civilian casualties and Moscow continuing airstrikes since Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region.

(With inputs from agencies.)