Recovery will take years: Russia strikes Ukraine’s energy infrastructure again

Russia systematically destroys the Ukrainian energy infrastructure. On the night of March 29, the occupiers launched yet another large-scale attack on critical infrastructure. “This time, the enemy strikes at Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts facilities. The targets of the drone and missile attacks included power generation facilities,” wrote Minister of Energy German Galushchenko.

Air-raid sirens sounded throughout the night, with explosions heard in numerous cities across Ukraine. After midnight, Russians launched drones to strike the central and western regions of Ukraine. Winged missiles launched by Tu-95MS bombers began attacking at around 04:00. Later, the invaders also deployed Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

“In total [the Russians used] 99 means of air attack… As a result of the air battle, 84 air targets were destroyed,” wrote Ukraine’s Air Force.

Thermal and hydroelectric power stations in central and western Ukraine suffered damage, Ukrenergo said.

“There is damage to the energy infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Cherkasy, and Chernivtsi oblasts. Emergency shutdowns have been applied in some regions,” wrote Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Specifically, the Russians attacked three thermal power stations of the DTEK company during the night. “Equipment has been seriously damaged. After the end of the attack, energy workers promptly began to eliminate the consequences. According to preliminary information, an energy worker was injured. Necessary assistance was promptly provided to the employee,” the company reported.

A total of six people, including a child, sought medical assistance immediately after the strikes, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Ukraine needs more air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure and its population. “This is the main topic of discussion with our international partners,” said Shmyhal.

Help is needed now, emphasized US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink. “All night, Russia has ruthlessly launched missiles & drones against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure – now all of Ukraine is under air alert. Russia’s barbaric effort to take the power out for millions of men, women, and children continues unchecked,” Brink wrote.

The Ukrainian energy system has not yet recovered from the previous attack – on March 22, the Russians inflicted the most destructive full-scale strike in two years of war. “Overall, there is very serious destruction throughout the country, which will require not just months but even years for recovery,” said DTEK top manager Dmytro Saharuk in an interview with Ekonomichna Pravda.