Russia Fires 93 Missiles, Including North Korean Missile, in Massive Strike on Ukraine's Energy Grid

Dec 13, 2024, 10:01 AM

On December 13, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, firing 93 missiles and approximately 200 drones, including at least one North Korean missile, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles intercepted by F-16 fighter jets, and 80 drones, with 105 drones suppressed through electronic warfare. Explosions were heard in the Black Sea port of Odesa and other cities in western Ukraine. The attack damaged thermal power plants operated by DTEK, causing significant disruptions. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the strikes were in retaliation for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles in an attack on a military airfield near Taganrog on December 11 and claimed that all targeted facilities were successfully hit. Zelenskyy described the assault, which reportedly cost Russia over $1 billion, as one of the largest against Ukraine's energy sector since the war began.