Russia Launches Large-Scale Attack on Ukrainian Energy Facilities: Kyiv and Surrounding Areas Plunged into Darkness

After the Russian Federation's armed forces launched a series of strong attacks on energy infrastructure, Kyiv and its surrounding areas experienced large-scale power outages. Due to the shutdown of the Ternopil and Kyiv thermal power plants and facilities near Navayivtsi, most parts of Kyiv have been plunged into darkness.

Additionally, explosions occurred in Sumy, Sumy Oblast, Kryvyi Rih, the surroundings of Kharkiv, Nikolaev, and Odessa regions.

This attack was a coordinated offensive, including hundreds of "Geranium" attack drones and decoy drones used to suppress air defense systems. At the same time, the Russian military also deployed "Iskander-M" ballistic missiles, X-101 cruise missiles launched from Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers, as well as "Kalibr" sea-based cruise missiles. The Russian military also used "Zircon" hypersonic missiles and the X-59/69 series missiles.

The attack map shows the general flight paths of the Russian strike equipment (see the figure).

Tactical Analysis

1. Core Objective

This operation focused on Ukraine's energy hubs, directly causing large-scale power outages in the capital Kyiv and its surrounding areas. This is a typical form of attack aimed at paralyzing civilian life and industrial infrastructure.

2. Composition of the Attack

- Combined Air Attacks: A saturation tactic using "drone swarms + missiles," where "Geranium" drones and decoy missiles are core components, aiming to consume Ukrainian air defense ammunition and create chaos.

- Missile Types: Including X-101 (air-launched), "Kalibr" (sea-based), "Iskander" (land-based), "Zircon" hypersonic missiles, indicating the full mobilization of Russia's long-range strike capabilities.

3. Scope of the Attack

Full-scale attacks, not targeting single points; explosion incidents covered multiple areas including Kyiv, Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Nikolaev, and Odessa.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1859626402367500/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.