Russia Fires 93 Missiles, 200 Drones at Ukraine, Causing Widespread Power Outages

Dec 13, 2024, 11:37 AM

Russia launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine on Friday during the morning rush hour, targeting the country's energy infrastructure with 93 missiles—including Kalibr, Kinzhal, and Iskander missiles—and nearly 200 drones, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The assault, one of the largest since the start of the conflict, resulted in widespread power outages across Ukraine as temperatures dropped below minus 10 degrees Celsius. Ukraine's air defense forces intercepted 81 of the missiles, including 11 shot down by F-16 fighter jets supplied by allies. Zelensky reported that at least one North Korean missile was used in the attack. The Russian military's primary focus was Ukraine's energy grid, with missile and drone strikes damaging critical infrastructure in multiple regions, including the Black Sea port of Odesa and the capital Kyiv. Energy company DTEK reported that several power plants suffered serious damage. Ukraine's Energy Minister condemned the attack, stating that Russia continues its terror campaign against the country's energy facilities.