Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Barrage Across Ukraine, Targeting Energy Infrastructure

In a coordinated and intense assault, Russia unleashed a massive drone and missile barrage across Ukraine on Monday, targeting critical energy infrastructure. The attack, one of the largest in weeks, resulted in the deaths of at least three people and widespread damage.

Midnight Barrage Devastates Ukrainian Cities
The barrage began around midnight and continued well into the early morning hours. According to Ukraine’s air force, multiple groups of Russian drones were detected moving toward the eastern, northern, southern, and central regions of Ukraine. These drones were followed by a wave of cruise and ballistic missiles, causing extensive destruction.

Explosions were reported in several regions, including the capital, Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the city’s power and water supplies were disrupted. In response, city officials announced the reopening of “points of invincibility”—shelters where residents can charge their devices and receive refreshments during power outages. These points, introduced in late 2022 during similar Russian attacks, have become crucial to the city’s emergency response system.

Casualties and Destruction Across Ukraine
The western city of Lutsk was among the most severely hit, with a multistory residential building and an infrastructure facility, part of the city’s energy distribution network, struck. Ihor Polishchuk, the city’s mayor, confirmed that one person was killed in the attack.

In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, another person lost their life as the attack sparked multiple fires, damaged a dozen homes, and destroyed two. Regional head Serhii Lysak reported that one person was rescued from the rubble.

The southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, which remains partially occupied by Russian-backed separatists, also suffered casualties. Regional head Ivan Fedorov confirmed that one person was killed when an infrastructure facility was hit and caught fire.

Three people were injured in the southern Mykolaiv region. Regional head Vitalii Kim urged residents to use the “points of invincibility” as a precaution.

In the Kyiv region, another individual was injured in an attack that struck residential houses and unspecified infrastructure.

Nationwide Energy Disruptions
Ukraine’s private energy company, DTEK, implemented emergency blackouts nationwide, stating that energy workers are working tirelessly to restore power. The widespread and severe damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has left many without electricity, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the region and raising serious concerns.

Polish and NATO Defenses Activated
The barrage’s impact extended beyond Ukraine’s borders. In neighboring Poland, the military reported that Polish and NATO air defenses were activated in the eastern part of the country in response to the Russian attack.

Ukrainian Drone Attacks in Russia
Meanwhile, in Russia, officials reported a series of Ukrainian drone attacks overnight and into Monday morning. In the central Saratov region, drones struck residential buildings in two cities, injuring four people. One drone crashed into a high-rise in the city of Saratov, while another hit a residential building in Engels, a city known for housing a military airfield that has been previously targeted.

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 22 Ukrainian drones over eight Russian regions, including Saratov and Yaroslavl.

Escalating Conflict
This latest wave of attacks highlights the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides suffering significant damage. As Ukraine grapples with the aftermath of the barrage, the international community’s vigilant monitoring of the situation provides a sense of reassurance.