Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine's energy sector as retaliation and strategy shift
23 March 2024 21:39
The main goal of the most significant attack on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure since the war began was to degrade Ukraine's defense industry – evaluated by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) concerning the massive assault with drones and missiles.
On the night from Thursday to Friday, the Russians carried out extensive missile strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities. These were the initial attacks after a hiatus of over forty days. Approximately 90 ballistic and cruise missiles, along with over 60 drones of Iranian make, hit Ukraine. The targets included power stations and transmission lines, but also ordinary residential buildings.
According to ISW, the Russian offensive aims to weaken the potential of Ukraine's defense sector, with Russian forces also apparently seeking to capitalize on the shortage of Ukrainian air defense missiles to attempt the destruction of the country’s energy network.
The American institute suggests that Russian troops have not succeeded in dismantling the Ukrainian system but may plot further waves of attacks on energy facilities, especially given the delays in Western support deliveries, which could significantly impair Ukrainian air defense.
"It's retaliation for an earlier attack by Ukrainian drones"
The Russian onslaught might be a response to bold attacks by Ukrainian drones that recently targeted refineries, terminals, depots, and oil storage in Western Russia, diminishing its production capabilities. It’s crucial to note, despite Western sanctions on its oil and gas sector, Russia continues to be one of the key global energy exporters.
Consequently, the White House is perturbed by the recent Ukrainian strikes, as per the latest reports from "Financial Times". It appears that the United States has communicated its concerns to senior officials of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR). Both intelligence entities have actively been advancing their drone programs to strike Russian targets by land, sea, and air since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The Ukrainian government has formally replied to these criticisms.
- In defending against aggression, Ukraine heeds the advices from the USA regarding halting attacks on Russian refineries, but utilizes the resources and capabilities at its disposal — stated Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, Olha Stefanishyna.
The aim of the special operations is to disrupt Russian supply lines
Recently, as the ground war tilts in Moscow's favour, Ukraine has amplified aerial strikes on Russia, stemming also from Kyiv's growing dissatisfaction with what is perceived as the West's equivocal stance on curtailing Russian energy income.
The purpose of Kyiv's "special operations" is hence to disrupt fuel supplies to Russian troops and cut the financial support for the Kremlin's war machine — mentioned one of the Ukrainian officials engaged in the attack planning and execution. Kyiv also aims to deliver a symbolic hit, drawing the war closer to Moscow and demonstrating that its air defense, including around the Kremlin, is penetrable.
