Russia's $1 Billion Strike: 94 Missiles, 193 Drones Hit Ukraine's Energy Grid

Dec 13, 2024, 11:03 AM

On December 13, 2024, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, firing 94 missiles and 193 drones, including a North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 81 missiles and 185 drones, with none of the four Kinzhal missiles intercepted. F-16 fighter jets played a significant role, intercepting 11 cruise missiles. Ukrainian forces also reported that 105 Shahed drones were lost due to electronic warfare measures. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the strikes were a response to Ukraine's recent attack on a military airfield in Taganrog using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. The assault, which is estimated to have cost Russia over $1 billion, involved various missile types, including Kinzhal ballistic missiles, Iskander missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, and Shahed-type drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as one of the largest on Ukraine's power grid since the war began, resulting in significant damage to thermal power plants and leading to widespread power outages.