Ukraine has reported a massive overnight attack on its energy facilities by Russian forces, marking the latest in a series of assaults aimed at crippling the nations power grid. This attack is the eighth targeting Ukraines energy infrastructure in the past three months, according to Ukraines energy ministry.Ukraines air defence systems managed to intercept 12 of the 16 missiles and all 13 drones launched by Russia overnight, the Ukrainian air force reported. Despite these efforts, two energy workers were injured and hospitalised in the Zaporizhzhia region. Additionally, energy equipment in the western city of Lviv sustained damage, and in the south-western region of Ivano-Frankivsk, authorities reported damage to houses and a kindergarten.Russia has intensified its campaign against Ukrainian energy targets since the spring, resulting in frequent blackouts across the country. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Moscows strikes have destroyed half of Ukraines electricity-generating capacity since late March. The recent attack on Saturday night is the second this week, following an assault on Thursday that injured seven energy workers and damaged key infrastructure, including a power station.Nationwide Energy CrisisTo cope with the energy shortfall, Ukraine is importing electricity from the European Union. However, this is insufficient to meet the countrys needs, leading to planned nationwide blackouts to protect critical infrastructure such as hospitals and military facilities. Maxim Timchenko, CEO of one of Ukraines largest private energy companies, DTEK, emphasised the urgency of international support, stating, We urgently need to close our skies or Ukraine faces a serious crisis this winter.Calls for International SupportPresident Zelensky has consistently urged Ukraines allies to provide more air defence systems. Specifically, he has requested seven Patriot air defence systems from the United States. Ivan Fedorov, the governor of Zaporizhzhia, echoed this call for support, stating on Telegram, We can say for sure: the enemy will not stop. Ukraine needs air defence systems.US ResponseIn response to Ukraines pleas, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced on Thursday that the United States would prioritise Ukraine for Patriot deliveries, ahead of other countries that have ordered these systems. This commitment underscores the urgent need to bolster Ukraines air defence capabilities amid ongoing attacks on its critical infrastructure.
