Russia targets Ukrainian energy sector in attempt to cause country-wide blackout – Ukraine’s energy minister

With a massive attack on the energy sector, the Russian enemy wanted to achieve a complete blackout of Ukraine, emphasized the Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko on the air of the National telethon "Yedyni novyny."

The government portal reported that.

"The attack on March 22 was the largest in the entire history of energy attacks. The enemy used more than 150 different weapons at the same time. This is a significant test for the power system. The goal of this attack was to achieve a large-scale blackout in the state," the Minister said.

Herman Halushchenko said that consumers felt the attack's impact in 12 regions. Kharkiv, Odesa, and Khmelnytskyi regions were the most affected. Restoration work continues, and critical infrastructure has been revived in all regions.

According to the Minister, the situation at the Dnipro HPP is currently difficult. The attack's aftermath is still being cleared up, after which the time required for recovery will be assessed.

As previously reported by Rubryka, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine's energy system suffered one of the largest air attacks in two years. As a result of the Russian shelling, about 20 substations and power plants, including the Dnipro HPP, were hit.

For reference:

Early in the morning on Friday, March 22, Russian military aircraft, including Tu–95MS strategic bombers, were deployed and launched Kh–101/555/55 cruise missiles. Shortly after, explosions were heard in several cities in Ukraine. The Ukrainian air defense system was activated; however, there were a few strikes.

Critical infrastructure objects have been hit in several cities, and there are victims.

According to reports, Russian soldiers fired ballistic weapons at Kharkiv, resulting in approximately 15 explosions being heard throughout the city. The attack aimed explicitly at vital infrastructure, causing power outages in certain areas and disrupting the water supply due to the shutting down of pumping stations.

Also, during the mass attack of the Russian Federation, 12 explosions were heard in Zaporizhzhia on March 22. There were injured, seven houses were destroyed, and dozens were damaged.

In particular, the Russians hit the Dnipro HPP. There is a blackout threat at the Zaporizhzhia NPP; the line to the ZNPP has been de-energized.

In total, on the night of March 22, the enemy launched more than 150 drones and missiles of various types over Ukraine. Air defense forces shot down 55 Shahed UAVs and 37 missiles.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine's energy system suffered one of the largest air attacks in two years. As a result of the Russian shelling, about 20 substations and power plants, including the Dnipro HPP, were hit.