Overnight barrage: Russian forces intensify attacks on Ukrainian energy sites

Russians launched another attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure overnight from May 7th to May 8th. The assault included aviation and strike drones, utilizing Shahed-136 kamikaze drones and several types of missiles fired from Tu-95MS bombers.

Ukrainians are facing increased attacks on their energy infrastructure. According to the Polish Press Agency, an alarm was triggered in Kyiv at 6:47 PM ET due to the presence of Russian aircraft. The alert was lifted at noon.

Serhij Popko, the head of Kyiv's city military administration, reported that air defence systems intercepted missiles aimed at Kyiv. The Russians deployed Kh-101, Kh-555, and Kh-55 cruise missiles from strategic Tu-95MS bombers. On Telegram, Popko shared that there were no casualties in Ukraine's capital, and no buildings were damaged in the attack.

The Kh-101 is a Russian strategic cruise missile with stealth capabilities, boasting a range of approximately 4,500-5,500 kilometres. A single missile weighs about 2,200-2,400 kilograms. The Kh-55 and Kh-555 missiles have a range of about 3,000 kilometres and 2,800 kilometres, respectively, weighing roughly 1,700 kilograms. The Tu-95MS, a strategic bomber, has a wingspan of over 50 meters, can reach speeds up to 830 km/h, and has a declared range of over 10,500 kilometres without in-flight refuelling.

On the website defence-ua.com, it's reported that the Russians targeted energy facilities using ballistic Iskander missiles, Shahed-136 drones, and Kinzhal missiles, among others. The details shared include the number of targets successfully intercepted.

The information reveals that the Ukrainians could destroy 33 of the 45 launched Kh-101/555 missiles, all four of the Kalibr missiles launched, and the two Ch-59/Ch-69 missiles, 20 of 21 Shahed drones. Additionally, two Iskander ballistic missiles, one Iskander-K cruise missile, and 1 Kinzhal (Kh-47) missile were brought down.

Despite the high effectiveness of the Ukrainian defence, the assaults damaged facilities essential for generating and transmitting electricity. Other areas in Ukraine, beyond Kyiv, also suffered damage from these attacks. Maksym Kozytsky, the head of the Lviv regional state administration, mentioned that an "object of critical energy infrastructure" in the Stryi region was hit.

Ihor Klymenko, the Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs, noted that the damage was not limited to infrastructure; about 30 residential buildings and public transport vehicles were also affected. In Zaporizhzhia, a fire department and a medical rescue building sustained damage.