Russia Launches Major Overnight Assault on Ukraine's Energy Grid

Ukraine Hit by Large-Scale Overnight Strike

According to Главком: In the early hours of February 3rd, Russia launched a massive combined missile and drone attack across Ukraine, targeting the nation's energy infrastructure and civilian facilities in multiple regions. According to the President, the assault involved over 70 missiles and 450 attack drones. Other sources estimate the number of drones used ranged from 350 to 500, with up to 65 different types of missiles deployed. This attack is part of a sustained Russian campaign to cripple Ukraine's power grid during the winter months. Nine people were wounded in the strikes, including three in Kyiv and four in the Sumy region.

Regions Affected and Consequences

The attack impacted several key areas, including:

• Sumy region
• Kharkiv region
• Kyiv region
• The capital, Kyiv
• Dnipro region
• Odesa region
• Vinnytsia region

In Kyiv, drone strikes caused fires in multi-story residential buildings. The assault also resulted in significant power outages: 50 settlements were left without electricity in the Vinnytsia region, while over 50,000 residents in the Odesa region temporarily lost power. The Russian military specifically targeted DTEK thermal power plants, inflicting severe damage on the energy infrastructure.

"Russia's priority is to use the coldest days of winter to terrorize people, not diplomacy," - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the situation, stressing the critical need for timely deliveries of missiles for air defense systems to protect normal life in Ukraine. The President also emphasized the necessity of maintaining maximum pressure on Russia, stating that without it, the war will not end.

This attack is part of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which began in 2014. It illustrates an escalation in hostilities, particularly during winter when Ukraine's energy infrastructure is most vulnerable. The President's calls to the international community for support in the form of air defense supplies underscore the ongoing security challenges Ukraine faces amid continued military aggression.