Russia Strikes Ukraine, Killing five and Hitting Energy Facilities
KYIV, Ukraine, March 22 - A Russian aerial attack on Ukraine Friday killed at least five people and inflicted significant damage to energy infrastructure, Ukrainian officials reported, escalating tensions as the war enters its third year.The strikes targeted multiple regions, including Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, and caused widespread power outages.
the assault represents a renewed push by Russia to cripple Ukraine’s energy grid ahead of the warmer months, possibly impacting millions and hindering the country’s ability to sustain its war effort and economy.The attacks come as Ukraine faces critical shortages of air defense systems and ammunition, repeatedly pleading with Western allies for increased support. The strikes underscore the continued vulnerability of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and the urgent need for bolstered defense capabilities as the conflict grinds on with no immediate end in sight.
According to Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov, at least five people were killed and dozens injured in the city following a series of explosions. Residential buildings were among the structures hit,and emergency services are working to extinguish fires and rescue those trapped.
“The enemy is hitting civilian objects,” Syniehubov stated on Telegram. “This is a deliberate tactic to terrorize our population.”
Ukraine’s national grid operator, Ukrenergo, reported “significant damage” to energy facilities across several regions, leading to emergency shutdowns and power disruptions for hundreds of thousands of customers. Repairs are underway, but officials warned that restoring full power coudl take considerable time.
The Russian Ministry of Defence has not yet commented on the attacks. However, Russia has consistently justified targeting Ukrainian infrastructure as necessary to degrade the country’s military capabilities.
This latest barrage follows a pattern of intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, coinciding with a slowdown in Western aid deliveries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly warned that delays in assistance are emboldening Russia and prolonging the conflict.
