Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Sunday, Dec 22, 2024

Russian Attacks with Drones and Missiles Damage Ukrainian Energy Facilities

In the latest Russian air assault targeting vital Ukrainian infrastructure, three thermal power plants sustained damage overnight Thursday to Friday.
The Russian forces launched 99 drones and missiles across various locations in the west and the center of Ukraine, as announced by Kyiv and confirmed by a Ukrainian energy operator. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry stated that the Russian attack targeted 10 areas in the country, causing injuries to many individuals.

“Ukrenergo,” the company operating the electricity network, said on Friday that Russian attacks with drones and missiles hit thermal and hydroelectric power plants, in a new attack on the already damaged energy infrastructure, adding, "The Russians struck again last night energy facilities in a massive and complex attack... thermal and hydroelectric power stations in central and western regions were damaged." On Telegram, the company noted: "The equipment suffered significant damage... and after the attack ended, electricians immediately began repairing the damages."

"DTek," an energy provider, stated in a statement, "The invaders targeted three thermal power stations belonging to the company (DTek). The equipment was significantly damaged. After the attack, engineers began to deal with its aftermath."

Local officials reported that Russian forces attacked infrastructure in the Kamianske area near the city of Dnipro, adding that at least one person was injured.

Ukrainian Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, also said that electricity facilities in the Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, and Cherkasy regions were attacked.

Ukrainian TV reported that explosions were heard in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi regions and the city of Dnipro, simultaneously with the detection of Russian "Cruise" missiles in Ukrainian airspace. It continued on Facebook: "Electricity generation facilities were targeted by drones and missiles."

Russia has intensified its air raids on Ukraine in recent weeks, particularly targeting energy facilities in response to Ukraine's deadly attacks on Russian border areas.

The Ukrainian army reported that its air forces destroyed 58 out of 60 offensive drones launched by Russia the previous night, along with 26 out of 39 missiles.

A military commander said, "The enemy launched a strong missile and air attack on the fuel and energy sector in Ukraine using different types of missiles and attack drones."

Ukrainian electric distribution company "Yasno" stated this week that "DTEK" had lost about half of its production capacity after Russian drone and missile attacks.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said, "Russia continued its barbaric attacks against the Ukrainian energy system," adding that electricity was cut off in some areas without specifying their extent. He continued, "Ukraine needs more air defense systems to secure its critical infrastructure and protect its population."

Following an incident where a Russian missile flew towards towns in western Ukraine, crossing Polish territory for 39 seconds, the Polish military announced an increase in its airspace monitoring operations. The military command explained on the "X" platform at the time that for about 40 seconds, "Polish airspace was violated by one of the (Cruise) missiles launched by the (...) Russian Federation Air Force last night." It added, "The object flew in Polish airspace over the village of Osierdo (east) where it remained for 39 seconds," indicating that military radar systems tracked the missile throughout its flight.

The Polish military continuously monitors the situation in Ukrainian territory, staying alert to ensure the security of Polish airspace. Following this incident, "all necessary measures were activated to secure Polish airspace. Polish and NATO aviation were activated among other procedures."

Kyiv urges its Western allies to speed up and provide more assistance. However, in Brussels and Washington, political divisions have hampered weapons delivery and support to Kyiv in recent months.

Recently, Ukrainian officials have specifically called for more shipments of "Patriot" air defense batteries. This anti-aircraft system was sent to Ukraine for the first time in the spring of 2023.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned against continuing the public debate on Ukraine's requests for the German "Taurus" missiles. In statements to the German media group "Funke," issued on Friday, the minister said, "I have commented extensively on the matter of (Taurus) missiles, and I do not think that the ongoing public discussion about it will benefit us in any way."

Baerbock mentioned that part of the Russian war propaganda serves to divide and destabilize Western democracies, stating, "We should not allow this. This is especially true as we are on the eve of elections, as is the case now before the European Parliament elections or state elections in Germany."

The debate has been ongoing for weeks within the ruling coalition in Germany regarding the delivery of "Taurus" cruise missiles to Ukraine, under attack from Russia.

Baerbock, a member of the Green Party, supports delivering the missiles to Ukraine.

German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has called for moderation within the German ruling coalition during discussions about military support for Ukraine.

He said, as reported by the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung" due for publication on Sunday, "If we now argue about how to provide aid and whether we will deliver a (Cruise) missile of the (Taurus) type, Putin can sit back relaxed. And this would be the dumbest thing we could do." Unlike the Free Democratic Party and the Greens, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party opposes delivering "Taurus" to Ukraine. Statements by the parliamentary group leader of the Social Democratic Party, Rolf Mützenich, regarding freezing the war in Ukraine, have attracted criticism from the other two partners in the ruling coalition.

Habeck emphasized, "We should not accuse each other of endangering peace. The person endangering peace is Putin... The dead of this war are Putin's dead. No one should exploit the situation, and we should not accuse each other of wanting to exploit it too." Asked whether the dispute over "Taurus" missiles would continue, Habeck said that the Federal Security Council ultimately has the final say, highlighting that consensus there is necessary for any decision on weapon deliveries, "If this consensus is absent, we cannot deliver the missiles. And by the way, I think it's entirely correct to consider this very carefully, as the chancellor demands - even if I sometimes come to different conclusions," affirming the importance of not letting the disagreement over "Taurus" missiles obscure the reality of agreement on many other points. Habeck called for understanding the necessity of providing support to Ukraine, clarifying that doing so is in Germany's interest, "Putin not only wants to occupy Ukraine for his great Russian imperial empire, but he also wants to destabilize the liberal democracy outside Ukraine. If Putin is not stopped, he will not cease."
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Israeli Military Operations in Gaza, Netanyahu's Corruption Trial, and Global Political Shifts: A Complex Interplay of Geopolitical and Economic Dynamics
Global Developments: Vaccine Controversy, Syrian Rebuilding, Natural Disasters, and Escalating Geopolitical Tensions
Israel's Strategic Maneuvers and U.S. Legal Actions Amidst Syria's Political Upheaval
Global Military Shifts, Gender Inequality, and Economic Alliances: Key Developments in the Post-Assad Era
International Condemnation and Mediation Efforts in Response to Israeli Actions in the Golan Heights Amid Middle Eastern Tensions
Global Tensions and Efforts for Peace: Cross-Cultural Dialogues, Regional Conflicts, and International Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia's Expanding Global Influence: From Water Management Leadership to Cultural and Economic Partnerships
Global Diplomatic Advances: Expanding Judicial, Human Rights, and Geopolitical Partnerships in the Middle East and Beyond
Strengthening UK-Gulf Relations and Addressing Global Challenges: A Diplomatic Overview
Cultural Heritage, Political Change, and Economic Growth: Key Developments Across the Middle East
Key Developments in Middle East Relations, Judicial Reforms, and Energy Partnerships Highlight Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Ambitions
Economic Growth and Innovation Drive Middle Eastern Developments: A Look at Egypt's Treasury Bill Success, Saudi Arabia's Expanding US Relations, Sustainability Initiatives, and Vision 2030 Achievements
UK Considers Delisting HTS Amid Complex Regional Dynamics and Global Security Implications
Global Developments: Saudi Arabia Embraces Cashless Innovation, Syria's Human Rights Struggles, Trump's Controversial Plans, Ghana's Leadership Shift, South Korea's Political Crisis, and Saudi-Japan Economic Partnership
Political Turmoil and Economic Ambitions: Macron's Coalition Efforts, MENA Startup Surge, and Global Initiatives in Integration and Innovation
Turkiye Advocates for Syrian Unity Amid Regional Turmoil; Israeli-Lebanese Tensions and Iran's Strategic Moves Highlight Middle Eastern Shifts
Kanlaon Volcano Erupts in the Philippines and Disrupts in the Middle East: Political Shifts, Oil Market Ripples, and Regional Instability
Global Turmoil: Taiwan Enhances Defenses, Indian Schools Face Bomb Hoaxes, and Middle East Conflicts Escalate
Global Political Shifts: From Trump's Strategic Appointments to Middle Eastern Power Realignments
Escalating Conflicts and Strategic Shifts Across the Middle East and North Africa
Syria's Historic Transition: The Fall of Assad and New Geopolitical Dynamics
Global Shifts: Saudi-UK Trade Goals, Syrian Regime Change, and U.S. Post-Assad Strategy
Saudi Arabia's Multi-Faceted Strategy: Embracing Sustainability, Tourism Excellence, and Regional Stability
Saudi Arabia Advances Transparency and Partnerships in Vision 2030 Push
Saudi Arabia Navigates Post-Assad Syria, Fossil Discoveries, and Economic Growth Amidst Regional Turmoil
Geopolitical Maneuvers and Sustainable Developments: Israel's Buffer Zone Tactics, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Innovations, and Egypt's Aviation Advancements
NASA's Artemis II Delayed to 2026, While Saudi Arabia Advances Cultural and Humanitarian Initiatives
Key Global Developments: Saudi Oil Price Adjustments, Surging Makkah Tourism, Syrian Conflict Shifts, and Saudi Pro League Highlights
Global Shifts: Diplomatic Talks, Economic Growth, and Regional Upheavals Reshape the Geopolitical Landscape
Insurgents Enter Damascus as Assad's Regime Faces Historic Collapse
Global Political Shifts: Defense Enhancements, Diplomatic Missions, and Civic Engagement Initiatives
Diplomatic Efforts Highlight Regional Tensions and Cooperation at IISS Manama Dialogue Amidst Humanitarian and Natural Crises
From Gulf Diplomacy to Global Resilience: Key Developments Shaping Regional and International Landscapes
Saudi Arabia Intensifies Immigration Control, Strengthens Diplomatic and Cultural Engagements
Global Political Tensions and Ambitious Developments Amid Regional Security Challenges
Philippines Celebrates Extensive Christmas Season; Saudi Innovations in Maritime Safety, Tourism, and Global Diplomacy; Healthcare Advancements and Regional Tensions Also Spotlighted
PIA Returns to European Skies Amid Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and COP16 Initiatives
Global Tensions Rise: Strategic Wins, Diplomatic Strains, and Humanitarian Crises Test Resilience
Global Political Turmoil and Humanitarian Efforts: A Snapshot of International Developments
Tensions and Triumphs: A Global Overview of Diplomatic Efforts, Geological Risks, Corporate Security, Military DEI Debates, Middle Eastern Conflicts, and Notre Dame's Resilient Reopening
Global Developments: Ghana's Election, UK's Smuggling Crackdown, Syrian Conflict Escalation, and US Supreme Court's Jurisdictional Case
Global Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises: A Snapshot of Recent International Developments
Saudi Arabia's Innovations in Marine Science, Arts, Film, Technology, Volunteerism, and Medical Education
Iran's Space Launch Fuels Western Concerns Amid Global Political Unrest
Riyadh's Cultural, Pharmaceutical, and Diplomatic Milestones: Noor Talks, CPHI Middle East, and Regional Developments
Key Diplomatic and Cultural Developments: Leadership Changes, Heritage Recognitions, and Strategic Partnerships in a Turbulent Global Context
Global Developments: Border Closures, Heritage Restoration, Leadership Appointments, Climate Challenges, Oil Market Dynamics, and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030
Global Partnerships and Initiatives Defining Saudi Arabia and Regional Dynamics in 2024
Global Developments: Sadiq Khan's Upcoming Knighthood, Punjab Farmers' Protests, Mary Jane Veloso's Repatriation, China's Warning to Taiwan, Hong Kong's National Security Law, and Saudi Arabia's Real Estate Boom
Iran's Satellite Launch Escalates Western Concerns Amid Global Geopolitical Tensions
×