Russian Attacks Target Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure, One Fatality in Kropyvnytskyi

Russian attacks on energy facilities in Sumy, Ukraine, resulted in one fatality in Kropyvnytskyi. Ukraine's air force shot down 46 out of 52 drones launched by Russia. Critical infrastructure in Kyiv remains undamaged due to effective air defenses. Ukrainian authorities are taking steps to protect energy infrastructure ahead of winter.

Russian attacks targeted energy facilities in Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy on Wednesday, resulting in one fatality in the central city of Kropyvnytskyi, according to regional authorities.

The Ukrainian air force reported intercepting 46 out of 52 drones launched by Moscow overnight, while three guided air missiles failed to reach their targets. In Kropyvnytskyi, one person was killed, a 90-year-old woman was wounded, and several residential buildings were damaged, according to authorities in Kirovohrad.

No damage to critical infrastructure was reported around the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv as air defenses successfully engaged incoming threats. Sumy regional authorities noted that air defenses intercepted 16 drones over the region, which has faced repeated attacks on its energy infrastructure, necessitating the use of backup power systems.

Oleksiy Kuleba, deputy prime minister in charge of reconstruction, regions, and infrastructure, announced on Tuesday the establishment of a coordination headquarters to aid Sumy region. The new body aims to coordinate defense of energy facilities and prepare the area's critical infrastructure for the upcoming winter season.

Since the start of its invasion in February 2022, Russia has focused on undermining Ukraine's energy systems, according to Kyiv. Russian forces are making advancements in eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces remain in Russia's Kursk region following a recent cross-border incursion.

Ukraine’s SBU state security service source reported that a Ukrainian drone attack destroyed a warehouse in Russia's Tver region, which was storing missiles, guided bombs, and artillery ammunition.

(With inputs from agencies.)