Drone attacks escalate, targeting energy infrastructure in Russia-Ukraine conflict
Russia and Ukraine are involved in a unique series of exchanges, attacking each other's energy infrastructure. Reports about damage to facilities associated with energy production in both countries are emerging.
10:14 AM EDT, March 25, 2024
Russian armed forces have targeted energy infrastructure in Ukraine's southern regions, particularly in the Odesa and Mykolaiv oblasts, resulting in substantial material damages and civilian casualties. On Monday, defence forces in the area reported eleven civilians injured due to these attacks.
The Russian military utilized Shahed 131/136 drones, launched from the Black Sea, to conduct the attacks. According to statements, the enemy launched multiple drone waves. In response, four drones were shot down in the Odesa and Mykolaiv oblasts.
Russia and Ukraine focus on energy targets
Prior to the drone attacks, Russians fired an anti-radiation missile, Ch-31P, from the Black Sea aimed at disrupting air defences in the Odesa region. However, the defence forces in the south of Ukraine reported that the missile became inoperative mid-air.
The drone attacks led to fires at energy facilities in the Mykolaiv oblast. In Mykolaiv, debris from a downed drone destroyed a two-story residential building and damaged nearby homes. Preliminary reports indicate 11 people were injured, with two requiring hospitalization.
According to the Polish Press Agency, in the Odesa oblast, a downed drone's debris damaged a power plant and caused a fire, leading to power outages in parts of Odesa and surrounding towns. The fire has been extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
Russia and Ukraine intensify attacks on critical infrastructure
Recent days have seen intensified attacks on critical infrastructure from both the Russian and Ukrainian sides. Ukrainians have targeted Russian oil refineries, causing considerable losses. In retaliation, Russia has strengthened its anti-aircraft defenses around these facilities.
Another significant moment in the conflict was described as "the biggest in history" attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leading to a blackout in Kharkiv. On the night of March 24 to 25, 2024, a thermal power plant in Novocherkask caught fire, presumably due to a Ukrainian drone attack, although this has not been officially confirmed by either side.
