In the early hours of the morning on Friday, December 13, Russia launched a surprise aerial attack against Ukraine, firing nearly 200 drones and 93 missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as one of the worst bombardments on Ukraine’s energy security since the start of the war nearly three years ago. The US Embassy also reported the attacks targeted key transport facilities. Ukraine’s air force also reported ballistic Kinzhal missiles were fired against Ukraine’s western regions.
On his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy described Russia’s actions as “terrorizing millions of people” and called for global support.
“A strong reaction from the world is needed: a massive strike – a massive reaction. This is the only way to stop terror,” he said.
After three years of war, Russia has begun attacking Ukraine’s infrastructure to target civilians who are left with no power, heat, or running water. Moscow has defended their recent attacks, stating that their intentions are not to harm civilians but to cripple Ukraine’s defense industry and to halt the production of missiles, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery.
Friday’s attack does not appear to be a lone incident. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia has been stockpiling cruise and ballistic missiles and is gearing up for another attack on Ukraine’s energy sector.
Putin has become more aggressive in recent months. On November 21, he used an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile to attack an industrial plant in Dnipro. He then declared more attacks with the powerful bomb would follow. US officials are now warning that he may use the Oreshnik missile again in the coming days.
After three years of fighting, only half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure remains. Widespread electrical blackouts are now common in the region.
