TechEscalating conflict: Russia and Ukraine intensify attacks on energy sector
Escalating conflict: Russia and Ukraine intensify attacks on energy sector
ed. Karol Kołtowski
25 March 2024 14:11
Russia and Ukraine are exchanging blows in attacks on energy infrastructure. We continue to receive reports of damage to facilities related to energy production in both countries.
The Russian armed forces have targeted energy infrastructure in the south of Ukraine, with a focus on the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions. These attacks have resulted in considerable damage and casualties. Eleven civilians were reported injured, according to the Defense Forces in the region on Monday.
The Russian military used Shahed 131/136 drones, launched from the Black Sea, conducting several waves of drone attacks. In the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, four drones were shot down.
Russia and Ukraine target energy
Prior to the drone attacks, the Russians fired an anti-radiation missile, Ch-31P, from the Black Sea, aiming to disrupt air defences in the Odesa region. However, the missile became inoperative before reaching its target, as reported by the Defense Forces in the south of Ukraine.
The drone attacks caused fires at energy facilities in the Mykolaiv region. In Mykolaiv, debris from a downed drone destroyed a two-story residential building and damaged several others. Preliminary reports indicate that 11 people were injured, with two requiring hospitalization.
According to the Polish Press Agency, in the Odesa region, a downed drone damaged a power plant, causing a fire, which led to power outages in parts of Odesa and nearby areas. The fire was extinguished without causing any injuries.
Refineries, power plants - more attacks from Russia and Ukraine
Recent days have seen attacks on critical infrastructure by both Russian and Ukrainian forces. Ukrainians attacked Russian oil refineries, causing significant damage. In response, Russians strengthened their anti-aircraft defences around these facilities.
The latest escalation in the exchange of strikes in the energy sector was described as "the biggest in history" attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. It resulted in a blackout in Kharkiv. On the night of March 24 to 25, 2024, a fire broke out at a thermal power plant in Novocherkask, likely caused by a Ukrainian drone attack, although confirmation is pending from both sides.
