The attack, which occurred on Friday, targeted the DniproHES hydroelectric power station, creating concerns about potential damage and disruption to the country's energy sector.

Videos circulating on pro-Russian news outlets and milbloggers showed the Russian missile skillfully evading Ukraine's air defenses before hitting its intended target. This assault was described as one of the largest-scale attacks by Russia on the Ukrainian energy sector since the conflict began.

The DniproHES hydroelectric dam is a vital facility, not only for Ukraine but also for Europe, being one of the largest hydroelectric power stations on the continent. The attack follows a similar incident in July 2023 when the Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was destroyed, leading to widespread flooding and devastation. At the time, Ukraine and independent experts accused Moscow of orchestrating the attack.

Ukrhydroenergo, Ukraine's state hydropower company, confirmed that the DniproHES hydroelectric dam had been struck but assured that there was no immediate risk of a breach. However, the director of Ukrhydroenergo, Igor Sirota, revealed that the facility had been shut down due to the extent of the damage. He described the consequences as "very large."

Yurii Bielousov, from the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office, reported that the hydroelectric power plant had been hit eight times. He further added that Moscow had employed the use of "decoy flares" to counter Ukrainian air defenses during the attack.

Energy Minister German Galushchenko condemned the assault on social media, stating that the goal was not just to damage the energy sector but to cause a large-scale disruption, similar to the events of the previous year. He acknowledged power outages in certain regions but assured the public that energy companies were working diligently to restore electricity supply.

The strike on the DniproHES has sparked international concern, with security expert Maria Avdeeva comparing the attack to the use of weapons of mass destruction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called upon Western allies for additional equipment to assist in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.

As Ukraine assesses the consequences of the attack, Ukrhydroenergo plans to evaluate the extent of the damage and take the necessary steps to restore the hydroelectric power station. The urgency to protect the country's infrastructure, homes, and dams has become paramount, prompting Zelensky to urge international support.

The assault on the DniproHES, a symbol of Ukraine's energy security, serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. With the hope for diplomatic resolutions dwindling, Ukraine relies on the support of its allies to defend against further aggression and protect its vital infrastructure.