Russia Launches Aerial Attack on Ukraine Energy Grid

On January 15, Ukraine faced a massive aerial attack from Russia, which targeted its energy infrastructure and led to emergency power outages in several regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kirovohrad. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko reported that the state energy company Ukrenergo implemented preventive power cuts to manage the situation, urging citizens to seek shelter and stay updated on official announcements. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian air defenses shot down more than 30 of the 40 missiles launched during the assault. Despite the extensive missile strikes, which also included attacks in the western Lviv region, initial reports indicated no casualties or significant damage. The ongoing assault underscores the persistent strain on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as it contends with the conflict, now in its nearly three-year duration. Authorities continue to call for increased military support to bolster Ukraine's defenses against these attacks.