In a brutal escalation of the war in Ukraine, Russia launched a devastating barrage of missiles and drones on Monday night, targeting critical energy infrastructure across the country. The attacks resulted in significant damage, casualties, and widespread disruption.

At least four civilians died, with reports suggesting the death toll could be as high as seven.

Scale of the Attack: Over 200 Missiles and Drones Launched

According to Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia unleashed a staggering 127 missiles, of which 102 were successfully intercepted by Ukrainian defense systems. 

In addition to the missiles, Russian forces deployed 109 drones in a coordinated effort to cripple Ukraine's infrastructure. The assault began around midnight and continued relentlessly until daybreak, marking one of the most extensive attacks in recent months, according to Interesting Engineering.

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Strategic Timing: Post-Independence Day Aggression

This devastating strike occurred just two days after Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day and revealed its first domestically produced long-range drone, the Palianytsia. 

Ukrainian sources indicate that the drone attacks were meticulously planned, with strikes hitting various regions across the country, including northern, southern, eastern, and central Ukraine. The missile barrage that followed, possibly including Russia's advanced hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, added to the destruction.

Widespread Devastation: Power and Water Supplies Targeted

The intensity of the attacks was felt throughout Ukraine, with explosions reported in several cities, including the capital, Kyiv. The attacks were so powerful that they successfully knocked out power and water supplies in multiple locations. 

As per the Associated Press, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal condemned the assault, stating, "The energy infrastructure has once again become the target of Russian terrorists." 

In response to the damage, Ukraine's state-owned power grid operator, Ukrenergo, had to implement emergency power cuts to prevent further destabilization of the grid.

Ukraine's Plea for Long-Range Weapons

In the wake of the attacks, Ukrainian leaders have renewed their calls for increased military support from their allies. Prime Minister Shmyhal urged for the provision of long-range weapons and their authorized use against targets within Russia, emphasizing the need to strike back at the sources of these missile launches. 

According to Shmyhal, it's high time to destroy the places where Russian military forces launch the missiles to halt the "barbaric shelling of Ukrainian cities."

He also vowed that Ukraine, with the support of its allies, would hold Russia accountable for the destruction and loss of life caused by these attacks.

Russia's Justification: Targeting Military-Industrial Complex

The Russian Defense Ministry justified the attack by claiming that it targeted critical energy infrastructure facilities that support Ukraine's military-industrial complex. They asserted that all designated targets were successfully hit, a statement that underscores the ongoing strategy of targeting essential services to weaken Ukraine's ability to defend itself.

A Continuing Cycle of Destruction

The latest missile and drone attacks highlight the brutal and unrelenting nature of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Even then, the Kremlin warned the US of World War III risks, citing that the West is "playing with fire" with them, as per South China Morning Post.

Back in June, the Biden administration banned the sales of Kaspersky antivirus after a source claimed its ties with Russia.

Read Also: Russia May Have Committed War Crimes by Hacking Ukraine's Critical Infrastructure, ICC Starts Probe