On Friday, Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine, firing 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones, marking one of the heaviest attacks on the country’s energy sector since the invasion began nearly three years ago. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the assault as part of Russia’s ongoing strategy to terrorize millions of people and demanded a strong global response.

Ukraine's air defense systems intercepted 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles shot down by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies. The attack targeted critical fuel and energy facilities in Ukraine, causing severe damage to the country's thermal power plants. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed the strikes were retaliatory after a Ukrainian attack on a Russian airbase using U.S.-supplied missiles.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv confirmed that transport networks and other key infrastructure were also targeted. Despite the damage, Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko assured the public that energy workers were doing everything possible to minimize the effects on the power grid. He also warned that rolling blackouts would continue as the energy sector recovers from the strikes.

The attack highlighted the ongoing struggle for Ukraine’s energy independence, as Russia continues to launch missile swarms designed to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. Nearly half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed during the war, leaving civilians without power, heating, or water. Ukraine’s allies have provided air defense systems, but the risk of further large-scale attacks remains high.