- 93 Missiles and Over 200 Drones Deployed in Pre-Winter Offensive
- Ukraine’s Air Defenses Shoot Down Majority of Incoming Threats Amid Escalating Tensions
Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine early Friday, targeting energy infrastructure across the country, with a particular focus on the western border regions. The attack featured 93 cruise missiles and over 200 drones, marking one of the most extensive offensives in recent months.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 81 of the missiles, including 11 neutralized by F-16 fighter jets. Ukraine’s air force confirmed that the barrage included hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which are among Russia’s most advanced aerial weapons.
Energy Infrastructure Under Siege
The attacks primarily aimed to cripple Ukraine’s civilian energy systems, a tactic Russia has increasingly used as winter approaches. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko praised the relentless efforts of energy workers to “minimise negative consequences for the energy system” despite mounting challenges.
Svitlana Onishchuk, the regional head of Ivano-Frankivsk, described Friday’s assault as “the biggest attack since the beginning of the full-scale war.” While critical energy infrastructure in her region sustained direct hits, Onishchuk noted that there were no casualties reported.
For nearly three years, Russia’s systematic targeting of Ukraine’s power grid has caused rolling blackouts and emergency shutdowns, leaving energy workers scrambling to repair extensive damage after each strike. Around half of Ukraine’s energy-generating capacity has been destroyed, exacerbating the nation’s hardships as subzero temperatures loom.
Strategic Timing Amid Global Dynamics
Experts believe the intensifying assaults are part of a broader strategy to pressure Ukraine ahead of geopolitical changes. Andrian Prokip, a Kyiv-based energy analyst with the Kennan Institute, suggested the attacks could continue over the next six weeks as Russia seeks to destabilize Ukraine before Donald Trump’s potential inauguration as U.S. president.
“Russia may aim to create the impression of a failing Ukraine, hoping to influence Trump’s stance,” Prokip said. Trump has pledged to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, though analysts argue that Russia’s current demands remain unacceptable to Kyiv.
Zelenskyy Responds
Following the strikes, Zelenskyy lambasted the Kremlin, saying, “This is Putin’s ‘peace plan’—destroy everything. This is how he wants negotiations, by terrorizing millions of people.”
Advanced Weapons in Play
Russia’s use of hypersonic weapons, including the Kinzhal and the recently deployed Oreshnik missile, has added a dangerous dimension to the conflict. The Oreshnik, with nuclear capabilities, was first used on November 21 to strike an industrial plant in Dnipro. While it wasn’t part of Friday’s assault, U.S. intelligence has warned of a potential new strike involving the missile.
Outlook
As the battle for Ukraine’s energy grid intensifies, the country’s defenses continue to hold firm, but the strain on infrastructure and civilians remains immense. With the winter season adding urgency to repairs and resilience efforts, both nations appear locked in a prolonged and escalating standoff.
