Russia launches massive attack on thermal power plants and psychiatric hospital in Ukraine

In an alarming turn of events, Ukrainian cities and infrastructure were targeted in a recent combined missile attack by Russian troops. The extensive assault resulted in severe damage to thermal power plants in three regions and even a psychiatric hospital in Kharkov. Reports indicate that the attack involved a staggering array of weaponry, including 19 cruise missiles, nine guided air missiles, two S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, and four other ballistic missiles. Ukrainian forces claim to have destroyed 21 Russian missiles in response.

Moscow, however, countered these claims by asserting that Ukraine had launched its own attacks using 66 drones in the southern Krasnodar region and two additional drones in the Crimean peninsula. Russia’s air defense systems successfully intercepted and downed nearly 70 drones, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The governor of Krasnodar, Veniamin Kondratiev, revealed that Ukrainian drones had attempted to target a refinery and critical infrastructure in three districts.

The most distressing aspect of this assault is the deliberate targeting of civilian locations within Ukraine. The psychiatric hospital in Kharkov suffered damages from S-300 missiles, which injured a woman and caused structural harm to the medical center’s windows, roof, and boiler room. Energy infrastructure in Lviv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Ivano-Frankivsk was also attacked, resulting in material damages and injuries. The largest private energy company in Ukraine, Dtek, reported significant damage to its four thermal plants due to the enemy’s massive bombing campaign.

The Lviv region witnessed attacks on two key energy infrastructure facilities, leading the governor to urge residents to reduce electricity consumption during specific times of the day. Fires broke out, causing damage but no casualties or home destruction. In Dnipropetrovsk, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown, energy facilities were targeted, resulting in fires, injuries, and water supply disruptions. The Ivano-Frankivsk region also experienced an attack that led to a fire, fortunately without any casualties.

This devastating attack has once again demonstrated the vulnerabilities of Ukraine’s defenses and the sluggishness of arms supplies. While the United States is currently providing military assistance, it will take several weeks for it to reach the frontlines and have a tangible impact on the battlefield. The Institute for the Study of War has warned that Ukrainian forces will need to protect themselves against the anticipated Russian summer offensive and prevent significant enemy advancements until they can take the initiative.