Russian forces launched a major air assault on Ukraine’s energy facilities using drones and missiles, targeting cities near NATO borders. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 53 missiles were fired, with two-thirds being shot down. The attack on Saturday marked the sixth assault on energy facilities in Ukraine since March, part of a wider campaign to disrupt power supply and make life difficult for civilians.
The missile strike injured about 20 people and targeted areas that had previously been less affected by the war. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has called for help from allies to protect vulnerable regions, proposing that neighboring NATO countries shoot down Russian missiles near their borders without entering Ukrainian airspace to ease the burden on his country’s air defense forces.
Ukraine has faced significant losses in generating capacity since March, leading to rolling blackouts to conserve energy. The attack on Saturday impacted regions in western, central, and southeastern Ukraine, with the country’s largest private electricity company reporting serious damage to two power plants. The western regions, including Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk, which had been spared heavy bombardment, were hit particularly hard.
Officials in Ukraine have suggested that allies use their air defense systems to shoot down Russian missiles near their borders, allowing Ukraine to concentrate its scarce antimissile systems in areas facing constant air assaults. However, some NATO countries have been cautious about getting directly involved in the conflict, wary of provoking further retaliation from Russia.
President Zelensky argued that shooting down Russian missiles from NATO territory would not escalate the situation, as it would be viewed as defense rather than an attack on Russia. He stressed the need for international support to protect Ukraine’s borders and prevent further aggression from Russia. The recent offensive by Russia and the attack on Ukrainian energy facilities have intensified calls for Western assistance in the conflict.
While Ukrainian officials are pressing for allies to use their air defense systems to protect Ukrainian airspace, NATO countries have been hesitant due to the risk of escalating tensions with Russia. However, the ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities and civilian areas may prompt international intervention to protect the country from further harm. President Putin’s warning to Western countries assisting Ukraine in striking into Russia underscores the delicate balance of power in the region.
