“Today’s attack was one of the biggest attacks on energy facilities in two years” – Ukraine’s PM

Ukraine's energy system, which faced one of the largest aerial attacks in two years today, has withstood the onslaught, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

The Ukrainian government chief announced that there is no power deficit, and none is expected, Rubryka reports. 

"For two consecutive days, the Russian terrorist regime has launched massive missile strikes against our cities… Today's strikes were primarily aimed at our energy infrastructure. This was one of the largest attacks on energy in the 2-year period of the war and the most massive attack during this autumn-winter period," Shmyhal said at the government meeting.

He reported that about 20 substations and power plants were affected, including the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant. Problems with power supply have arisen in several regions, including shutdowns in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Kirovohrad, Sumy, and Poltava regions.

"But the key point now is that the energy system is intact and operating steadily. Thanks to the additional protection of our energy facilities, we have withstood the strike. There is no power deficit, and it is not forecasted at the moment," said Shmyhal.

He added that work was underway to eliminate the consequences of the attack. Repair teams are working around the clock to restore electricity supply as quickly as possible.

"We will restore power in three stages. The first stage is healing critical infrastructure. This includes heating, water supply, and hospitals. The second stage is healing the population. The third stage is healing the industry," said Shmyhal.

The prime Minister also noted that restoring all domestic consumers would take about a day.

"We will gradually restore everything. Ukrenergo and the Ministry of Energy will provide all additional details," said Shmyhal.

The head of the government also mentioned that citizens whose homes were damaged due to the massive attacks could take advantage of the government's "Recovery" program.

"We will help with funds for repairs. All crimes and destruction are being documented. Russia will definitely pay for this," said the head of the government.

Massive Russian attack on March 22

On Friday, March 22, the Russian army deployed the Tu-95MS strategic bombers, which launched Kh-101/555/55 cruise missiles at Ukraine. Explosions were heard in several Ukrainian cities. Air defense systems were operational, but there were hits in several cities, including critical infrastructure facilities.

Russian troops attacked the northeastern city of Kharkiv with ballistic missiles, with about 15 explosions reported in the city. They targeted the energy infrastructure, causing a power outage and water supply problems.

During the Russian massive attack, Zaporizhzhia was rocked by 12 explosions. Uhtoritird reported casualties; seven buildings were destroyed, and dozens were damaged.

The Russian forces targeted the Dnipro HPP. The occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is threatened by a blackout; the line to ZNPP is de-energized.

Power outages are also reported in the Dnipro, Poltava, and Sumy regions in Ukraine's center and north. Hits on critical infrastructure facilities are recorded in Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions in the west and south of the country. In several regions, power outage schedules have been introduced.

The massive attack on Zaporizhzhia killed at least one person and injured eight. Casualties are also reported in the western Khmelnytskyi region. People are being searched for under the rubble of the destroyed building.

Overall, the Russian forces launched over 150 drones and missiles of various types across Ukraine on March 22. Air defense forces downed 55 "Shahed" drones and 37 missiles.

The massive Russian strike on Ukraine overnight killed at least five people and injured 14–16 people. Three are considered missing.