In a major escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a significant overnight attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on June 22, 2024. The assault involved a combination of cruise missiles and kamikaze drones, targeting multiple regions across the country. Despite the Ukrainian air defense’s efforts, which successfully intercepted 48 drones and all 5 cruise missiles, the attacks resulted in damages to energy facilities in the southeast and west, notably in the Zaporizhzhia and Lviv regions, and caused injuries to at least two energy workers.The offensive, which targeted critical infrastructure and military-industrial complexes, has led to significant power outages and a record high in electricity imports from the European Union. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that the attack was in retaliation for Ukrainian attempts to damage Russian energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the launch of 16 rockets and 13 ‘Shahed’ drones, with 12 rockets and all drones being shot down.The attacks have intensified the energy crisis in Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urgently calling on allies to send more air defense systems to protect the country’s vital infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has highlighted the need for increased military aid to defend against such assaults, especially as the country approaches winter and faces the prospect of severe energy shortages.
Key points
- Russia carried out a massive attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure using cruise missiles and kamikaze drones.
- Ukrainian air defenses shot down 48 drones and all 5 cruise missiles, but the attack still resulted in significant damage and injuries.
- The attacks have exacerbated Ukraine’s energy crisis, leading to a record high in electricity imports from the EU and calls for more air defense systems.
