Power Plants Targeted by Russia’s New Massive Attack on Ukraine's Infrastructure

Early on Thursday, Russia launched another massive combined attack on Ukraine using cruise missiles, Shahed drones and guided missiles—targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa and Lviv regions. There were air raid alerts across almost all of the country.

Overall, the enemy used 82 missiles and drones against Ukraine overnight:

• 20 cruise missiles X-101/X-555 launched from the strategic aviation planes Tu-95 (launched from the Saratov region, Russia);

• 6 ballistic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles launched from MiG-31 aircraft;

• 12 S-300 surface-to-air-missiles (launched from the Belgorod region, Russia);

• 40 combat drones of the “Shahed-131/136” types (from Primorsko-Akhtarsky District, Russia and Chauda, Crimea);

• 4 X-459 guided missiles (from the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia region).

According to the Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk, the Ukrainian Air Defense Forces managed to shoot down 57 of them:

• 16 X-101/X-555 cruise missiles;

• 39 Shahed-131/136 drones;

• 2 guided missiles.

Many, however, did reach their target—causing damage to critical infrastructure:

• The “Centrenergo” Ukrainian electric and thermal-producing company announced that the Russian military has completely destroyed the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant. It was the biggest electricity provider in Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions.

“The scale of destruction is horrific. I can’t estimate the scale of material damage. It’s the biggest challenge that our company has ever encountered. But I’m sure that we will get through it,” said the Chairman of the supervisory board of Centrenergo Andriy Gota.

• The Ukrainian energy company DTEK confirmed 2 of its thermal power stations to be damaged as a consequence of tonight’s attack.

• One of the most difficult situations is observed in the Kharkiv region, where close to 240,000 people were left without electricity.

Starting from the beginning of spring, Russia has intensified its strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, focusing on Odesa and Kharkiv regions. On the 22nd of March 2024, Russia launched the largest combined attack on the Ukrainian energy system since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. 

• On March 22, 2024, Kharkiv was left without electricity, and the total blackout lasted for more than a day in almost all of the city; 

• Odesa also suffered from emergency power outages on March 22 after Russia’s morning attacks that day;

• On March 31, an overnight drone attack on the Odesa region left 170,000 people without electricity; 

• The situation with energy supply remains consistently difficult in both Kharkiv and Odesa;

• DTEK energy company has lost 80% of its energy generation capabilities after the enemy’s massive attacks on March 22 and 29. DTEK stated: “5 out of 6 of our thermal power stations were severely damaged. The situation is incredibly difficult…”;

• Centrenergo also reminded that the Russian Federation military had occupied the Vuhlehirska power station (Donetsk region) in July 2022, and completely destroyed the Zmiivska thermal power plant (Kharkiv region) in March 2024.

The following was posted on Zelenskyy’s official accounts: “All of our European neighbors and other partners see Ukraine’s critical need for air defense systems. Right now, with our ability to overcome Russian terror, the world can demonstrate that all terror is treated equally as a crime.”

Ignoring Russia’s actions gives it the green light to continue committing crimes and spreading terror in a sovereign country. Ukraine is thankful for all the provided help, but right now is in desperate need of additional air defense to protect its cities, civilians and infrastructure. The delay of help from partners will lead to longer blackouts and more civilian casualties in the future.