Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated tensions by threatening to attack decision-making centers in Kyiv using a new ballistic missile called Oreshnik, following a massive overnight strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The comprehensive attack involved 90 missiles and 100 drones across multiple Ukrainian cities, leaving more than one million people without power. Putin claimed the strike was a response to Ukraine’s recent attacks using US-supplied Atacms and UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, highlighting the use of cluster munitions against civilian and energy infrastructure. He warned that any “Russian blackmail” would be met with a “tough response” and suggested that Putin’s escalation is a form of pressure to force the United States to accept Russia’s terms.
The Russian attack targeted several cities, including Odesa, Kharkiv, and Lutsk. While Kyiv was also targeted, Ukrainian authorities intercepted all missiles aimed at the capital. The attack lasted nearly nine and a half hours, affecting at least 12 areas across Ukraine, including three western regions.
Putin introduced the Oreshnik missile, which he claims cannot be intercepted. However, US officials believe Russia only has a small number of these experimental missiles and would need time to produce more.
The energy infrastructure attack has caused significant disruption. In the Rivne region, electricity was cut to over 280,000 people, while the Lviv region saw 523,000 homes and businesses lose power. Kherson authorities warned of potential days-long electricity outages.
Ukrainian officials are particularly concerned about the timing of these attacks, as temperatures are dropping and the country’s harsh winter approaches. They fear Russia is attempting to deplete the power grid during the coldest months.
Putin also made provocative statements about nuclear weapons, warning that Russia would use “all means of destruction” if Ukraine were to acquire nuclear weapons. This comes in response to reports suggesting Western officials might consider providing Ukraine with nuclear capabilities before President Biden leaves office.
Zelensky has previously criticized the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine surrendered its Soviet-era nuclear weapons, arguing that it left the country without adequate security.
The energy sector has been repeatedly targeted since the full-scale invasion. Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, reported this was the eleventh major attack on the country’s energy system since March, with over 190 attacks on their plants.
International support continues, with the European Commission and the US providing up to €107m in equipment aid to help restore power.
As Ukraine braces for its third winter since the Russian invasion began, the resilience of its people and infrastructure continues to be tested by these persistent and destructive attacks.
