Russia admits strike on Ukraine's energy sector during extreme cold
Russia admits strike on Ukraine's energy sector during peak winter cold (photo: Getty Images)
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed carrying out a massive missile and drone strike on Ukraine's energy infrastructure facilities on February 3. Severe frost is currently persisting across the country, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.
In Moscow, officials cynically claimed that missiles and attack drones allegedly struck "enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and energy facilities used in their interests."
The Russian ministry also traditionally attempted to justify the attack, stating that it was carried out "in response to Ukraine attacks on civilian facilities on Russian territory."
At the same time, the Russian side claims that "the objectives of the strike were achieved and all designated targets were hit," without mentioning the consequences for the civilian population of Ukraine amid peak winter temperatures.
Massive attack on Ukraine
During the strongest frosts of this winter, Russia launched a massive strike on combined heat and power plants and thermal power plants that provided heating for Ukrainian cities. The attack across eight regions was carried out in waves, ranging from drones and ballistic missiles to cruise missiles.
Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Pavlohrad, Zaporizhzhia, as well as certain areas of the respective regions, were under fire overnight.
Toward morning, the enemy launched cruise missiles toward Kyiv and Vinnytsia regions.
According to the Air Force, Russia used an exceptionally large number of ballistic missiles, which significantly complicated air defense operations.
As of the morning, air defense forces shot down or suppressed 450 targets — 38 missiles and 412 drones of various types.
More details on the consequences of the massive Russian attack on Ukraine's energy sector on the night of February 3 can be found in an RBC-Ukraine report.
