A new episode of the war with drones
Early yesterday, Russia launched a total of 74 Iranian-made kamikaze drones, known as Shahed, against Ukraine. The response by Ukrainian air defenses was effective, with 60 of these drones intercepted before reaching their targets. This information has been shared by the Air Force of Ukraine in a recent statement.
A week of more mass attacks
This attack is the third in a week marked by an intensification of offensives. Interceptions were recorded in several regions, including Kharkiv, Sumi, Donetsk and Kyiv, among others. In an earlier attack, Russian forces shot down 109 drones, with 99 of them shot down, in addition to a simultaneous launch of 127 missiles that caused significant damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Drone technology and international implications
Shahed drones are an inexpensive but lethal tool of warfare, allowing Russia to attack targets at a relatively low cost from a distance. The Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine has opened an investigation against a general of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, highlighting the collaboration between both countries in the development of this technology.
Impact on the energy infrastructure
Ukrainian authorities are assessing the impact of the attacks on their energy infrastructure, which has already been severely damaged. Since the beginning of the conflict, Russia has directed its attacks towards this critical sector, which is essential for the functioning of the country. Estimates indicate that approximately half of Ukraine’s energy capacity has been destroyed.
Forecasts for a harsh winter
As winter approaches, concerns about living conditions in Ukraine become more apparent. Experts such as Nataliia Shapoval, director of the Kyiv Institute of Economics, have expressed that the situation is expected to be complicated. Ukrainian authorities are urgently seeking additional air defense support to mitigate the effects of future attacks.
Reflections on the war and the international response
At a conference in Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on the devastation of the energy infrastructure, with 80% of thermal energy generation destroyed. Despite the gravity of the situation, Ukrainian authorities have chosen not to provide additional details about the latest damage, keeping the tension over the need for international support.
