Russia's Relentless Assault: New Wave of Drone and Missile Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Sector

Russia launched a fresh wave of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting the energy sector and killing at least one civilian. Ukrainian air defences intercepted most of the assaults, but significant damage to energy facilities was reported. Civilian casualties and power outages continue to be major repercussions of these attacks.

In a recent escalation, Russia unleashed a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, primarily targeting its energy sector, resulting in at least one civilian casualty, Ukrainian officials reported on Thursday.

Russian forces fired 78 attack drones and six missiles across various regions during the protracted assault, with Ukraine's military reporting that air defences destroyed 66 drones and four missiles. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal disclosed that three electricity transmission facilities, including one in the southern Mykolaiv region, were hit.

Subsequent strikes included hypersonic Kinzhal missiles aimed at Starokostiantyniv, home to a significant air base. One woman was killed in a missile strike on the Black Sea port of Odesa, and 10 people were wounded in a separate attack on Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, power outages were reported in Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, and Chernihiv. Russia continues to claim its focus is on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has been heavily damaged since March, resulting in extensive blackouts across the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)