Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure Targeted in Largest Recent Missile and Drone Attacks by Russia

On Wednesday, May 8, the Ukrainian Air Force announced that Russian missiles and drones targeted 12 energy infrastructure facilities in Ukraine, causing serious damage to three thermal power plants. However, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that it shot down 39 of the 55 missiles launched and 20 of the 21 drones used in the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that it attacked Ukrainian military-industrial complexes and energy facilities with precision missiles and drones in retaliation for Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy facilities. German Galushchenko, Ukraine's Energy Minister, wrote on Telegram: "Another widespread attack on our energy industry!" He announced that electricity generation and transmission facilities in the Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Vinnytsia regions were targeted. Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine's Interior Minister, reported that two people were injured in the Kyiv region and one in Kirovohrad, and about 350 rescuers were mobilized to minimize damage to energy facilities, 30 residential houses, vehicles, public transport, and a fire station. Ukrenergo, Ukraine's national electricity grid operator, announced that it had to cut off electricity in 9 regions of the country and added that blackouts may increase across the country during peak hours. Officials urged the people of Ukraine to conserve electricity. Russia also claimed that as a result of this attack, Ukraine's ability to produce and transport weapons and military equipment has been severely reduced. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, expressed disappointment in an online speech regarding the West's behavior towards Russia and the participation of some Western countries in Vladimir Putin's inauguration for his fifth presidential term. Despite clear opposition from the United States, Ukraine has increased drone attacks on Russian refineries this year, which, according to a NATO military official, could disrupt more than 15% of Russia's oil refining capacity. Russia also intensified its air attacks on Ukraine's energy system in April. Denys Shmyhal, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, announced the formation of a special group to prepare for the upcoming fall and winter "to ensure that all Ukrainian homes have light, heat, and access to electricity for businesses." Ukrainian officials have not provided more precise official information on the damages and casualties to prevent Russia from using it, but governors of the attacked regions have reported fires and damage to critical infrastructure and railways. Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons. Ukraine arrested "two Russian agents" on charges of plotting to assassinate Zelensky. A new threat from Moscow to the West; Russia is conducting exercises for the "deployment of tactical nuclear weapons." Zelensky: We shot down a Russian Su-25 bomber. The deadly attacks by Russians on eastern Ukraine continue; Russian forces leveled a village. Russia placed Zelensky's name on the wanted list; Ukraine: a sign of Moscow's desperation. Kremlin claims: British and French support for Ukraine is dangerous for European security.