Russian Strikes On Ukraine’s Energy And Railway Infrastructure Worsen Crisis

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On the night of November 18, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces launched four Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 114 kamikaze drones, of which 101 aerial targets were reportedly shot down or suppressed.

The primary Russian strike was concentrated on targets within four regions of Ukraine. The most intense attacks targeted Dnipropetrovsk Region, particularly the city of Dnipro. The assault focused on railway infrastructure facilities: a suburban depot, a repair shop, and the station building were damaged.

Furthermore, a strike hit a television and radio center housing the offices of media companies, including the news agency “Suspilne Dnipro” and “Ukrainian Radio.” Strikes were also recorded in the areas of Vasylkivka, Shakhtarske, Petropavlivka, and the outskirts of Pavlohrad.

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In Krasnohrad, Kharkiv Region, missile strikes, according to available information, targeted the railway area and gas infrastructure facilities. Reports also mentioned strikes on objects in Chernihiv and Sumy regions, though details of these incidents were not specified.

Russian air defense systems, according to statements from the Russian Ministry, destroyed 31 Ukrainian UAVs over the course of the night. The largest number of drones were shot down over Tambov and Voronezh regions —10 in each region. On the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to data from the Ukrainian General Staff, the Zuyevskaya and Starobeshevskaya Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) were damaged as a result of strikes. This led to power outages in many populated areas and the shutdown of boiler houses and filtration stations.

Amid regular Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system, the company “Ukrenergo” acknowledges that emergency blackout schedules may remain in effect throughout the winter. The Chairman of the Board of NPC “Ukrenergo,” Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, noted that Ukraine is losing generating capacity roughly every ten days. Attempts to protect the infrastructure, including the construction of concrete shelters and underground bunkers for personnel and equipment, are unable to provide one hundred percent protection against regular strikes. Ukrainian officials state that, had Russia not resumed massive attacks, the country could have even exported electricity during the winter. However, the current reality is that Ukraine is deprived of both export potential and a stable electricity supply for its own population, and the prospects for improving the situation remain highly uncertain.

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• Russia’s Massive Strike On Odesa Targets Port Infrastructure And NATO Supplies For The Ukrainian Armed Forces

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