Russia Threatens Massive Strikes on Ukraine Energy Grid as Kyiv Toll From 38-Death Blast Rises
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Aug 31
Russia Threatens Massive Strikes on Ukraine Energy Grid as Kyiv Toll From 38-Death Blast Rises
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Aug 31
Summary
Russia's Defense Ministry said Sunday it is preparing “massive strikes” on Ukraine’s energy facilities, explicitly casting them as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy and civilian infrastructure.
The warning sharpens fears of another winter campaign against Ukraine’s power grid as Kyiv struggles with acute air-defense shortages and officials warn this heating season could be even harder than the last.
38 people were confirmed dead and four remained missing after Friday’s Russian strike on a warehouse in Myla west of Kyiv, which Ukrainian officials said hit an ammunition storage site and triggered major fires and explosions.
Zelenskyy called the blast a “terrible situation,” blamed negligence for storing explosives near residents, and said an investigation had been opened into how the ammunition was kept there.
The threat comes as both sides intensify long-range attacks: Russia has increased missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine has kept hitting Russian oil refineries and logistics hubs with drones.