What's happened
On December 3, 2024, Ternopil and Rivne in western Ukraine were targeted by Russian drone strikes, causing power outages. This follows a series of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, intensifying as winter approaches. The Ukrainian air force reported shooting down 22 of 28 drones launched by Russia.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Moscow Times, Ternopil's mayor reported that an energy infrastructure facility was hit, leaving part of the city without electricity. The Ukrainian air force confirmed that 22 out of 28 Russian drones were shot down during the latest attacks. Meanwhile, The Guardian noted that the energy sector is under 'massive enemy attack,' with emergency power cuts being implemented across multiple regions, including Kyiv and Odesa. This aligns with previous reports from South China Morning Post, which highlighted the ongoing targeting of energy infrastructure as a tactic to undermine Ukraine's resilience during the harsh winter months.
How we got here
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the country's energy infrastructure has been a primary target. Recent months have seen an escalation in attacks, particularly as winter approaches, raising concerns about power supply and civilian safety.
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