Russian air strikes: Selenskyj: Destroyed energy infrastructure will be repaired

After one of the largest bombardments of Ukraine since the beginning of the war, Russia fired 127 rockets and cruise missiles as well as 109 drones at the regions of the neighboring country, according to military sources from Kiev. Of the 236 drones and missiles, the air defense system destroyed 201, the air force in Kiev said. Authorities reported massive damage to the energy infrastructure.

“In some places, the terrorist state has attacked civilian targets with cluster munitions,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky after a meeting with the military leadership. Before repairs to the energy sector can begin, the cluster bombs must be defused, he said.

Russia’s retaliation for Kiev’s Kursk offensive

There were air raid warnings in many regions of Ukraine for hours that morning. The bombing, which was also reported in detail by the Russian Defense Ministry, was seen as part of retaliation for the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, which began on August 6.

Forces loyal to the Kremlin had recently criticized Moscow for waiting so long to respond. This Tuesday, Kiev’s invasion – initially with around 10,000 soldiers – has been going on for three weeks. Observers expect that Ukraine will be able to control the occupied Russian towns for months.

Zelensky also discussed the restoration of the destroyed energy facilities with those responsible. The effectiveness of the air defense system was discussed for each region individually. In a video message, he had already called for more weapons and the release of long-range Western missiles for attacking targets on Russian territory in the hinterland. There are currently restrictions on their use.

Commander-in-Chief Syrskyj informs NATO General

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Olexander Syrskyj, informed the Telegram news network about a conversation with the Supreme Commander of NATO Forces in Europe, Christopher G. Cavoli. The discussion was about the situation at the front, strengthening air defense and “protecting cities and critical infrastructure from the constant terrorist attacks of the Russian Federation.” Syrskyj described the need for weapons, additional ammunition and military equipment. He did not provide any details.

Apart from the gains in territory during the offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, Ukraine is still under massive pressure in its east. In view of the Russian advance in the eastern Ukrainian region of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, Zelenskyy announced that a decision had been made at the meeting of the military leadership to reinforce the region. The Russian troops had recently repeatedly announced the capture of towns in the Donetsk area.