Putin Threatens Kyiv Decision-Makers After Striking Energy Grid
Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated tensions in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine by threatening to target decision-making centers in Kyiv. His remarks came shortly after a massive overnight assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which left over a million people without power.
Speaking during a visit to Kazakhstan, Putin claimed that the attacks were a response to Ukraine’s use of US-supplied Atacms missiles and UK-provided Storm Shadow missiles to strike inside Russian territory.
“It was a response to continued attacks on our territory by Atacms missiles,” Putin said, emphasizing that Russia’s new ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, played a key role in the strike. He described it as a hypersonic weapon that cannot be intercepted.
Russian Strikes Leave Millions Without Power
The assault, involving 90 missiles and 100 drones, targeted civilian and energy infrastructure across Ukraine. Cities such as Odesa, Kharkiv, and Lutsk were heavily affected, with emergency power outages implemented nationwide.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the use of cluster munitions in the attacks, calling it a “mean escalation” that complicates recovery efforts.
In Kyiv, all missiles targeting the capital were intercepted, according to the city’s military administration, though the attack lasted over nine hours. Western regions, including Lviv, reported widespread blackouts, affecting hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses.
Ukrainian Response and Western Reactions
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s concerns about its vulnerability, citing the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which saw the country relinquish nuclear weapons inherited from the Soviet Union.
Western leaders have voiced strong condemnation of the strikes. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attacks “depraved” following a conversation with Zelensky. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have warned of a renewed Russian campaign to deplete the country’s power grid as winter approaches.
The European Commission and the US have provided over €107 million in equipment aid to help Ukraine restore power infrastructure damaged in over 190 attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
A Harsh Winter Ahead
With temperatures dropping and Ukraine already experiencing its first snowfalls, the situation remains dire. Russian strikes on energy systems have forced Ukrainians to endure harsh winters over the past two years, and officials fear this year could be equally challenging.
In Kherson, authorities have warned of extended blackouts lasting days. Ukrainians across the country are bracing for another bitter winter as Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure intensify.
Putin’s Escalation Raises Concerns
Putin’s recent threats against Kyiv’s decision-makers mark a dangerous escalation in the conflict. Ukrainian officials argue that the Russian president’s actions demonstrate a clear intention to prolong and expand the war.
For more details, read the full report on BBC News. Stay informed about global conflicts at Kenkou Land.
