### Ukraine Faces Widespread Power Outages Amid Russian Drone and Missile Strikes

Ukraine has been plunged into an energy crisis following a significant drone and missile attack by Russia that left approximately one million people without power. This attack marks Russia's eleventh strike on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in 2024.

In a concerted effort to cripple Ukraine's energy grid, Russia launched around 100 drones and over 90 missiles, some of which carried cluster munitions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for enhanced air defense systems, especially with the onset of winter, which increases the importance of protecting infrastructure from targeted strikes.

Ukraine's air force reported that out of the 91 missiles launched by Russia, 79 were intercepted. Similarly, 35 of the 97 drones were shot down, with an additional 62 neutralized via jamming tactics. The air force highlighted that Russia is increasingly employing sophisticated tactics and technology, such as thermal and radar traps and electronic warfare measures. This complicates the interception process, particularly for the Soviet-made anti-aircraft systems still in use by Ukraine.

The adverse weather conditions, including dense fog and cloudiness, have further hampered interception efforts. The air force stated that the effectiveness of defense operations is significantly reduced under such conditions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded the advancements in Russia's missile capabilities, noting their superiority and increased production over NATO countries. Putin claimed that Russia's hypersonic systems have no global peers and announced plans to boost missile production by a quarter.

Ukraine’s Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, reported extensive damage to the nation's energy network, necessitating emergency power shutdowns. The state-owned grid operator Ukrenergo confirmed that the attacks have enforced emergency power outage schedules across the country.

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, described the situation as dire, with continuous air raid sirens and extensive threats to the energy infrastructure. Kyiv's military administration reported that a combined missile and drone strike on the capital lasted for over nine hours, though all threatening projectiles were successfully destroyed.

In the wake of the attacks, various regions reported substantial power outages. In Lviv Oblast, 523,000 customers were left without electricity, while Rivne Oblast saw 681 settlements disconnected, affecting around 280,000 people. Volyn Oblast also reported power loss for 215,000 residents.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the downing of 27 Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions and occupied Crimea. Andriy Yermak, the head of President Zelenskyy's office, condemned the attacks as "terror tactics," accusing Russia of stockpiling missiles for assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians, especially during the winter months.

Ukraine braces for further adversities as it continues to defend its infrastructure and citizens from persistent Russian aggression.