Two individuals in Ukraine have lost their lives and over 170,000 households in Russia are without electricity following recent missile and drone attacks on the power grid by Russia. These incidents have prompted Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to call on Western allies to expedite weapons supplies once more.
The Russian assault, which involved 25 cruise missiles and explosive Shahed drones on Sunday, tragically resulted in a fatality in the Lviv region in the west and the Kharkiv province in the east of Ukraine. Multiple targets across Ukraine were attacked, with 18 missiles intercepted by air defence systems that are on the brink of being depleted due to persistent attacks and a halt in the provision of US military aid.
Dtek, the country’s leading private energy corporation, has reported a power outage affecting 170,000 homes in the southern Odesa region following a power station being hit in Sunday’s assault. Whilst the firm managed to restore electricity in the impacted regions by early afternoon, it notes that recent Russian acts of aggression have destroyed 80% of its power producing capacity.
In addition, rolling power cuts have been implemented in the eastern Kharkiv region due to significant damage inflicted on power stations and other infrastructures in the previous week.
Through an Easter Sunday message, Mr Zelenskiy emphasised the need for the human spirit to persist in the face of adversity, highlighting the ongoing acts of terror perpetrated by Russia. He then reiterated the country’s resilience and determination in the face of these trying times, asserting that their tenacity could triumph over death itself.
Following further damaging attacks by Russian missiles and drones on Saturday night, Mr Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude to those working in the power and construction industries, as well as others who are tirelessly working to ensure the normal functioning of Ukraine in all its cities and villages amidst the crisis. He stated that Ukraine’s power is being targeted by “Russian terrorists” using abhorrent attacks, and affirmed that requests for essential air defence systems and missiles have been issued to all relevant partners.
“America, Europe, and various allies are acutely aware of our requirements and comprehend the urgency of aiding Ukraine in its defense against current attacks. I express my gratitude to all the leadership figures stepping up during this time, particularly those who genuinely adhere to our mutual agreements and honour their commitments.”
The White House’s proposal to channel $60 billion (£44bn) in new military support to Ukraine has been stymied in Congress for several months by former US president Donald Trump’s Republican sympathisers, and European nations are unable to bridge this funding gap.
The Russian defence department reported that due to its assaults on Ukraine, the functioning of defence industry organisations engaged in the production and repair of weapons, equipment, and ammunition has been hampered. All the objectives of the attack were accomplished. The intended targets were struck.
Officials in Russia’s Belgorod region, adjacent to Ukraine, reported that 10 missiles were intercepted on Sunday, and in the past few days, 5,000 children have been moved to safer locations.