Renewed Russian Missile Strikes Target Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure

Russia's recent missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure is the largest assault of its kind reported by President Zelensky. As Ukraine attempts to defend itself with the help of international partners, the International Atomic Energy Agency raises alarms about the implications for nuclear safety.

On December 13, 2024, Russia executed a significant missile strike on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized as "one of the largest strikes" to date. According to Zelensky, the attack comprised 93 missiles and 200 drones, including at least one missile reportedly sourced from North Korea. Ukraine's energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed on Facebook that the energy sector was facing another wave of "massive attacks."

In a remarkable defense effort, Ukraine reportedly managed to intercept 81 of the missiles, with 11 targeted by F16 fighter jets granted by its allies. President Zelensky urged international partners to take more vigorous action, stating, "The world can stop this madness." The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had recently emphasized the critical need for Russia to cease its assaults on Ukraine’s energy facilities, asserting that such actions pose significant risks to nuclear safety.

Following the assault, reports emerged of power outages, particularly in western Ukraine's Lviv and Ternopil regions, where officials indicated these attacks were the most extensive since the onset of the conflict. Warfare tactics in Russia's ongoing campaign include launching waves of drones and missiles, with recent patterns targeting vital electric infrastructure recurrently.

Some military analysts speculate that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have escalated these attacks in light of the recent shift in power dynamics following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key ally. However, concerns persist as reports indicate that Russia may be reaching its missile production limits, potentially influencing the frequency of these attacks.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh noted the possibility of Russia deploying a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile named the Oreshnik in the near future. This follows previous strikes in November when such missiles targeted Ukrainian facilities after Ukraine utilized American-provided missiles against Russian targets.

Anastasia Kuznietsova contributed to this report. Maria Varenikova continues to investigate Ukraine and its ongoing conflict with Russia.