Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, German Galushchenko, on Wednesday has taken to social media to announced that Russia was conducting a large-scale assault on the country’s energy facilities. These assaults have brought devastation to cities like Kryvyi Rih and Kharkiv.
Taking to his Telegram account, the minister highlighted the urgent need to stabilize the energy grid amidst growing vulnerabilities. “The enemy is again massively attacking the energy sector.” To minimize disruption, Ukraine’s transmission system operator is implementing measures to limit energy consumption.
The attacks come as Ukraine braces for a harsh winter, exacerbated by power outages and Moscow’s stepped-up aerial bombardment. These strikes aim to weaken Ukraine’s resilience by targeting essential infrastructure, forcing millions to endure freezing temperatures without adequate heating or electricity.
In President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, a ballistic missile struck a four-story residential building on Tuesday. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of one life and left 15 others injured, including four in serious condition.
READ ALSO: Emerging Markets Gain Ground Amid Asian Tech Rally
“The monsters landed a direct hit on a four-story residential block with 32 apartments,” said Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city’s military administration. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the rubble, but the destruction was immense. Regional governor Serhiy Lysak confirmed that medics were unable to revive one man recovered from the debris.
Kharkiv, another key Ukrainian city, faced a barrage of missile strikes on Wednesday morning. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described it as a “massive missile attack,” with multiple explosions rocking the city. Ballistic missiles were reportedly still in the air as local authorities scrambled to assess casualties.
The regional governor reported at least seven strikes in the city. Initial reports confirmed three injuries, but officials are continuing to evaluate the full extent of the damage. “While other countries are celebrating Christmas, Ukrainians are enduring relentless Russian attacks,” said Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets.
Moscow’s intensified attacks come amid its accelerated advance in eastern Ukraine. Russian forces claim to have captured over 190 settlements this year alone, as Kyiv struggles to maintain its defenses due to dwindling manpower and ammunition shortages.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that it had intercepted 59 Ukrainian drones overnight. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Air Force reported the launch of Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea, though their exact targets remain unclear.