In a significant escalation, Russia initiated a substantial drone assault on various regions across southern, central, and eastern Ukraine during the night, resulting in damage to both residential and commercial properties, as well as key infrastructure, according to statements from Kyiv officials on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian air force reported that they intercepted and destroyed 41 out of 48 drones launched by Russia, originating from the western Kursk region in Russia and Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The air force specified that all the drones used in this attack were Iranian-made “Shahed” models.
Such drone strikes have become a near-daily occurrence in recent weeks, with this latest offensive marking the most extensive attack of the current month.
The Office of the Ukrainian President disclosed that the debris from the drones caused damage to residential homes and various commercial structures across several regions.
The statement also noted that unspecified infrastructure in multiple areas and a natural gas pipeline in the northeastern Kharkiv region suffered damage. However, there were no immediate reports of any injuries or fatalities.
DTEK, the largest private energy provider in Ukraine, reported that one of its thermal power stations, situated in an eastern frontline area, was bombarded for the sixth time within the month.
The company communicated through the Telegram messenger service that this shelling disrupted heating supply, although it did not specify the number of residents affected. Currently, temperatures in Ukraine have dropped significantly below zero degrees Celsius.
With the onset of a second winter amid the ongoing conflict, there is growing concern among Ukrainians that Russia might intensify its efforts to target the country’s energy infrastructure.
