Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine's energy, eyeing weakened defenses
The primary objective of the most extensive assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since the war's commencement was to impair Ukraine's defense capabilities, as analyzed by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) regarding the significant drone and missile onslaught.
5:50 PM EDT, March 23, 2024
From Thursday to Friday night, Russia unleashed a vast missile barrage on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, marking the first such assault following a hiatus of over forty days. Approximately 90 ballistic and cruise missiles, alongside over 60 drones produced in Iran, bombarded Ukraine. The attacks focused on power plants and power lines, yet ordinary residential buildings were not spared.
The ISW points out that Russia's strikes on Ukraine are aimed at diminishing the potential of its defense industry. The Russian forces are presumably also seizing the moment prompted by the dwindling stocks of Ukrainian air defense missiles to wreak havoc on the country's energy network.
The American institute suggests that while Russian troops haven't succeeded in crippling the Ukrainian grid, they might orchestrate subsequent attacks on energy facilities, particularly under the shadow of delayed Western support deliveries, potentially weakening Ukrainian air defense.
"Retaliation for a Ukrainian drone attack earlier"
The Russian onslaught could be seen as retribution for bold Ukrainian drone strikes targeting refineries, terminals, depots, and oil warehouses in Western Russia, thus impairing its production capabilities. It's worth noting that Russia continues to stand as a leading global energy exporter, despite Western sanctions on its oil and gas sectors.
This development has reportedly exasperated the White House, with "Financial Times" revealing that the United States has extended cautions to senior officials from the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR). Both intelligence divisions have been innovatively expanding their drone programs for assaulting Russian targets across various terrains since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The Ukrainian government has officially addressed these reports.
- In the fight against aggression, Ukraine acknowledges the US's appeals to halt strikes on Russian refineries. Nevertheless, it leverages the resources and capabilities at its disposal — stated Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, Olha Stefanishyna.
The aim of special operations: disrupting Russian supplies
In recent weeks, as the land conflict seems to tilt in favor of Moscow, Ukraine has ramped up aerial assaults on Russia, highlighting Kyiv's growing frustration with what it perceives as the West's vague stance on curtailing Russian energy profits.
The essence of Kyiv's "special operations" lies in obstructing fuel deliveries to Russian forces and curtailing the funding fueling the Kremlin's military endeavors, shared a Ukrainian official involved in the planning and execution of these attacks. By targeting Moscow closer to home and demonstrating vulnerabilities in its air defense, including around the Kremlin, Kyiv also aims to strike a symbolic blow.
