Kyiv, Nov 18 (V7N) — Russia carried out a massive drone and missile assault across Ukraine on Sunday, targeting critical energy infrastructure in what Ukrainian officials described as the most severe attack since the war began. The strikes appear aimed at crippling Ukraine's power generation capabilities ahead of the harsh winter months.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia launched 120 missiles and 90 drones , including Iranian-made Shahed drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic weapons. Ukrainian defense forces claim to have intercepted and destroyed 140 missiles and drones . However, several strikes still caused significant damage.

- Mykolaiv : Two people were killed, and six others, including two children, were injured in a drone strike.
- Odessa : Two additional fatalities were reported, with energy infrastructure heavily damaged, resulting in disruptions to electricity and water supplies.
- Kyiv : A fire erupted on the roof of a five-story residential building, injuring one person. Explosions rocked the historic center, causing further damage.

Nationwide, the assault severely affected Ukraine’s electricity grid. Ukraine's largest private energy company confirmed that thermal power plants suffered significant damage, leading to emergency blackouts in at least three regions.

The attacks signal Moscow's intensified strategy of targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have previously warned about Russia’s efforts to plunge the country into darkness during winter, a tactic seen as a means to weaken civilian resilience and disrupt military operations.

Poland's Armed Forces heightened security measures in response to the assault, deploying fighter jets to monitor their airspace near the Ukrainian border. While no incursions into Polish territory were reported, the heightened alert underscores the regional tension caused by Russia's actions.

President Zelensky reiterated calls for Western allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense systems to counter such large-scale attacks effectively. The ongoing strikes highlight Ukraine’s vulnerability to Russia's long-range capabilities and the pressing need for international military support.

The attack underscores the persistent danger faced by civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine, with winter conditions threatening to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.

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