Russia attacked substations supplying Ukrainian nuclear power plants. In Kyiv, there is a power outage.

On November 8, 2023, Russia launched one of the largest attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the start of the full-scale war. According to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, five regions were hit. A total of 458 drones were recorded in the sky, including 300 Shahed strike drones, and 45 missiles of various types. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 406 drones and nine missiles, but even this was not enough to prevent destruction.

Main Target — The Energy Heart of the Country

The main strike was directed at the substations surrounding the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear power plants. This is not just infrastructure — it is the core of Ukraine’s and Europe’s energy security. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that such attacks pose a threat of a nuclear catastrophe on a continental scale.

He appealed to the International Atomic Energy Agency to convene an emergency meeting of the board of governors. Sybiha also emphasized that Russia is deliberately testing Europe’s patience, playing with the safety of millions of people.

Strikes on Thermal Power Plants and Consequences for the Country

According to the company “Centrenergo,” the strikes resulted in the shutdown of two of the largest thermal power plants — Trypilska in the Kyiv region and Zmiivska in Kharkiv. This is the first time since the start of the war that both plants have simultaneously ceased energy production.

DTEK confirmed that the damage is colossal. The company’s head, Maksym Tymchenko, stated that the intensity of attacks in recent months indicates Russia’s intention to “plunge Ukraine into darkness.” He emphasized: “These are not strikes on military targets, this is an attack on millions of citizens.”

Energy Under Fire and Cities in Darkness

After the shelling, some major cities — including Kyiv and Kharkiv — faced critical power supply disruptions. The State Border Service of Ukraine reported a temporary halt in the operation of customs points due to system shutdowns. Power grids operated in emergency mode, and hospitals switched to generators.

Residents said that the night of November 8 was remembered as “the quietest and darkest” — there was no light in the houses, but the sounds of working drones could be heard.

International Reaction and Kyiv’s Position

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian air defense did the impossible, but without partner support, it is almost unreal to withstand such intensity of attacks. He again appealed to allies to expedite the delivery of air defense systems, including Patriot complexes.

Foreign Minister Sybiha on the same day appealed to China and India to use their influence on Moscow to stop strikes on critically dangerous objects. “This war is not only against Ukraine. It is a threat to the whole world, where nuclear energy can become a weapon,” he added.

The World on the Brink of an Energy Catastrophe

Russia’s strategy of destroying infrastructure makes Ukraine’s energy sector a hostage to geopolitical games. DTEK is confident: the Kremlin’s goal is to deprive the country of the ability to develop, forcing people to live in cold and fear.

But even under constant attacks, Ukrainian engineers continue to restore networks. Every day they bring light back to cities, reminding that even in darkness, hope can ignite.

NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency