News

Ukraine downs 81/94 Russian missiles as Russia targets energy infrastructure, forcing nuclear plants to reduce energy output

President Zelenskyy says Ukraine's F-16 jets intercepted 11 Russian cruise missiles. Ivano-Frankivsk authorities say it was the worst ever attack on the region.

Dec 14, 2024 - 02:00
Ukraine downs 81/94 Russian missiles as Russia targets energy infrastructure, forcing nuclear plants to reduce energy output

Cruise missiles Russian Ukraine

Ukraine intercepted 81 out of 93 Russian missiles during a massive attack targeting energy infrastructure across the country on 13 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported, calling it one of the largest strikes against Ukraine’s energy system. The attack also involved approximately 200 explosive drones. Later, the Air Force updated the figures, saying the air defenders have taken down 81/94 missiles, 80/193 drones, with 105 other UAVs crashing, and 5 more turning to Russia and Belarus.

Russia continues its deliberate daily air attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure. Since October 2022, it has systematically targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with extensive missile and drone assaults, aiming to disrupt civilian life, particularly during the winter months.

Update: Kharkiv Oblast Head Oleh Syniehubov reported this morning that Russians struck Myrne village, injuring four people at a civilian enterprise. 

According to Zelenskyy, the assault included at least one North Korean missile, with F-16 fighters successfully downing 11 cruise missiles. 

“This is Putin’s ‘peace’ plan – to destroy everything. This is how he wants ‘negotiations’ – by terrorizing millions of people,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. “He is not limited in either range or in purchasing necessary components for missile production. Oil gives Putin enough money to believe in impunity,” he wrote, adding that “We need a strong reaction from the world: a massive attack needs a massive reaction. This is the only way to stop terror.”

Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko confirmed that energy facilities nationwide were under massive attack, stating that energy workers were taking necessary measures to minimize negative impacts on the power system. Ukraine’s power operator Ukrenergo reported an increase in power consumption restrictions due to the massive missile attack on energy facilities.

The IAEA, the UN’s nuclear power watchdog, reported that five of Ukraine’s nine operating nuclear reactor units “have reduced power output due to renewed attacks on energy infrastructure,” failing to mention Russia as a culprit of the attack.

According to Monitor, a Ukrainian airspace monitoring channel, Russia deployed multiple missile and drone types including:

  • Kh-101/55 cruise missiles launched by Tu-95MS bombers from the Caspian Sea,
  • 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles launched by the Russian Navy from the Novorossiysk area, 9M723 Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Belgorod Oblast,
  • Kh-59/69 cruise missiles,
  • Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles,
  • Shahed UAVs, and false target drones like Gerbera.
Previous Article

Russian forces poison over 2000 Ukrainian military with chemicals since invasion...

Next Article

Russia loses 1,040 soldiers in one day

Related Posts

The Inventor of the Chatbot Tried to Warn Us About A.I.

The Inventor of the Chatbot Tried to Warn Us About A.I.

May 8, 2024

Sky News: Kremlin says it “deeply regrets” Finland’s decision to close border crossings with Russia 

Sky News: Kremlin says it “deeply regrets” Finland’s de...

Nov 16, 2023

House Oversight Chairman Comer investigating FBI over 'quietly' revised crime statistics

House Oversight Chairman Comer investigating FBI over '...

Nov 1, 2024