Russia has launched a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure
During the night of March 7, Russian forces launched a massive combined attack on Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure across multiple regions. The enemy deployed cruise and ballistic missiles along with kamikaze drones, causing significant damage.
Source: pravda.com
Scale of the Attack and Air Defense Response
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the Russian military launched 261 airborne strikes, including:
- 67 missiles of various types, among them:
- 35 Kh-101/Kh-55SM cruise missiles
- 8 Kalibr cruise missiles
- 3 Iskander-M ballistic missiles
- 4 S-300 air defense missiles
- 8 Kh-59/Kh-69 guided aviation missiles
- 194 kamikaze drones, primarily of the Shahed type, along with decoy UAVs.
Ukraine’s air defense forces successfully shot down 134 aerial targets, including:
- 25 Kh-101/Kh-55SM cruise missiles
- 8 Kalibr cruise missiles
- 1 Kh-59/Kh-69 guided aviation missile
- 100 Shahed attack drones
Additionally, 86 decoy drones failed to reach their targets and were lost in flight.
To counter the assault, Ukrainian forces employed anti-aircraft missile units, mobile fire groups, electronic warfare systems, and fighter jets. For the first time in combat, French Mirage-2000 aircraft—recently delivered to Ukraine—were deployed.
Strikes on Critical Infrastructure
Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed that Russia deliberately targeted energy and gas production infrastructure, with the most severe destruction occurring at gas industry facilities.
“The Russian army is intentionally striking facilities that provide Ukrainians with heat and electricity, attempting to provoke a humanitarian crisis,” the minister stated.
The Naftogaz company reported that this marks the 17th attack on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure since the start of the full-scale invasion. Several key facilities sustained damage, including an industrial site in Ternopil Oblast, potentially affecting regional gas supplies.
Emergency response teams and energy workers are currently addressing the consequences of the strikes. The Ministry of Energy urges citizens to stay informed via official announcements, as the power grid remains in a critical condition.
