Russia Intensifies Strikes on Ukraine, Targeting Civilian Infrastructure

Russia has unleashed a new wave of strikes on Ukraine, marking the second consecutive day of heavy bombardment. This surge in aggression comes on the heels of one of the most extensive air attacks of the conflict, underscoring the persistent and growing threat posed to Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and energy grid.

On Tuesday, air raid alerts reverberated across Ukraine as Russian forces launched a coordinated assault involving hypersonic missiles and drones. The Ukrainian air defence system detected multiple Russian aircraft deploying these advanced munitions, adding to the country’s ongoing struggle to maintain airspace security. The assault has been described as one of the most severe in recent months, with reports of mass drone attacks compounding the damage.

The Russian Defence Ministry has confirmed the use of long-range air and sea-based precision weapons aimed at critical power stations and infrastructure throughout Ukraine. Major cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, have been targeted, resulting in widespread blackouts and disruptions to water supplies. The scale of the strikes has been significant, with at least six fatalities reported overnight from Sunday to Monday, and dozens more wounded. This destruction has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, affecting millions who rely on stable energy and water supplies.

President Joe Biden has condemned the attacks as “outrageous” and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Similarly, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy denounced the “cowardly missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure,” reflecting a broad international condemnation of Russia’s actions. The UK, along with other Western allies, has been a critical source of support for Ukraine throughout the conflict.

The latest round of Russian strikes has claimed additional lives. In Kryvyi Rih, a city with significant personal and symbolic importance as the home of President Volodymyr Zelensky, two people were killed when a civilian infrastructure building was hit late on Monday. Several others remain missing, and the city has suffered extensive damage to homes, shops, and vehicles. In Zaporizhzhia, one man was killed, and a man and woman were injured in the attacks, according to local officials.

Explosions have also been reported in other regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Khmelnytsky, and Mykolayiv, further demonstrating the widespread impact of the assault. The launch of hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, known for their speed and difficulty to intercept, has intensified the urgency of the situation. These missiles have proven challenging for Ukrainian air defences, adding to the complexity of the country’s defensive efforts.

This intensified assault appears to be a strategic move by Moscow to reassert its control over the conflict, especially in light of Ukraine’s recent territorial gains in Russia’s Kursk region. Since the onset of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has persistently targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a tactic aimed at demoralizing the Ukrainian populace and disrupting daily life.

In response to the escalating attacks, President Zelensky has urged Western allies, including the UK, US, and France, to reconsider their restrictions on the use of long-range weapons by Ukraine. He argued that allowing Ukraine to employ these weapons more effectively could significantly enhance its defensive capabilities and potentially mitigate the impact of Russian strikes on civilian areas.

As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community remains closely engaged, with ongoing discussions about how best to support Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and addressing the humanitarian toll of the war. The recent wave of strikes underscores the urgent need for continued diplomatic and military support to bolster Ukraine’s resilience in the face of persistent aggression.