New Russian attack knocks out more than 50% of Ukraine’s power

A new missile attack promoted by Russia dropped more than 50% of energy consumption in Ukraine this Friday (16), in one of the biggest actions of its kind since Moscow began targeting the country’s electricity distribution infrastructure in October.

According to Ukrenergo, the electricity grid operator, there were blackouts in several cities across the country. Energy Minister German Galuschenko said nine plants were hit. At least two people were killed in the action.

There was panic in several cities. In the capital, Kiev, people have returned to hiding in subway stations – the stage chosen for the interview given by President Volodymir Zelensky to American presenter David Letterman, available on Netflix streaming.

There were about 60 missiles fired, according to the Air Force, which this time did not disclose how many it had shot down. The day before, Kiev had been attacked with 13 Iranian drones used by the Russians, and this Friday the capital was especially targeted.

The move comes on the heels of warnings by Ukrainian officials, Zelensky at the head, of renewed Russian momentum for an offensive early next year. In interviews with vehicles such as the British newspaper The Guardian and the London magazine The Economist, they said that Moscow’s idea is to buy time with the disruption, while preparing its 320,000 mobilized reservists.

But not only that. The commander of the Armed Forces, General Valeri Zalujni, admitted that the attacks could have a serious impact on the morale of his troops, who will see “their women and children freeze”. Winter, which officially starts next week, is already in full swing in the country: Kiev and Kharkiv, the second largest city, were 1 degree positive when the missiles landed.

Without energy, it’s not just lack of light. Pumps at water distribution stations stop and so do heating systems. The idea of ​​subjugating the country by freezing it has been denounced as a war crime in forums such as the UN.

With all this, the Ukrainian call for more air defense capable of intercepting the missiles has increased. Since the start of the war, the West has been reluctant to use the item, fearing it will be used against aircraft in Russian airspace, raising the risk of a confrontation between Moscow and NATO (Western military alliance).

This week, however, the US leaked information that it is finalizing plans to ship Patriot batteries. They, however, are scarce and expensive to operate, in addition to demanding a specialization that would take a long time to be taught to Ukrainians — the hypothesis of having Americans on the ground, probably targeted by Russians, is seen as prohibitive due to the risks of escalation.

While the energy drama unfolds, some of the most violent fighting in months continues to be registered in Donetsk, one of the regions of Donbass (east of the country) annexed by Vladimir Putin in September, but where the Russians have control of only half of the territory.