The attack targeted military-related facilities, as well as airfields and drone sites, the Defense Ministry has said
FILE PHOTO: Russian Su-27 fighter jets. © Sputnik / Igor Yegorov
Russia has carried out a wave of strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure that supports the country’s military-industrial effort, the Defense Ministry in Moscow has confirmed.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said that its forces had conducted a “group strike using long-range high-precision land,- air- and sea-based weapons as well as attack drones” on targets in Kiev-controlled territory. According to officials, the strikes were aimed at “gas and energy facilities supporting Ukraine’s defense industry, military airfield infrastructure, and sites for storage and preparation of attack drones.”
“The objectives of the strikes have been achieved,” the statement read.
Ukrainian officials have also confirmed the attacks, acknowledging that temporary localized blackouts had to be imposed to minimize the impact on the power grid. The Energy Ministry clarified, however, that the restrictions would not affect residential consumers, critical infrastructure, or businesses importing more than 60% of their electricity.
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Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state-owned gas company, reported damage to production facilities in northern Poltava Region, adding that there were no casualties. Local officials also confirmed that nine settlements in the Mirgorod district were left without gas supply following the strikes.
In Kharkov Region, Russian drones damaged power lines and transformers, leading to localized blackouts, Strana.ua reported, while the local prosecutor’s office confirmed that critical infrastructure, residential buildings, and businesses had sustained damaged, but no injuries occurred.
Moscow has for months launched long-range strikes on Ukrainian military installations and energy infrastructure linked to defense operations, stating that these attacks never target civilians. Meanwhile, Russia has frequently accused Ukraine of conducting strikes on its civilian infrastructure, including residential areas as well as on oil processing plants across the country.