On November 28, Russia carried out a massive missile attack on the territory of Ukraine, aimed at critical infrastructure facilities. According to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy yermak, such strikes are part of Russia’s strategy, which specifically accumulated missiles for attacks in anticipation of winter.
he noted that the enemy’s goal is to create the moast difficult conditions for the civilian population during the cold season, and also emphasized that Russian forces receive assistance from othre countries, including North Korea. Ermak added that Ukraine is ready to give an adequate response to these actions.
The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the national Security and Defense Council, Andrei Kovalenko, clarified that Russia has the resources to continue such attacks until the end of winter. According to him, the enemy’s strategy remains unchanged: to strike at the most vulnerable moments, using previously accumulated stocks of weapons.
The Telegram channel “Insider UA” reported that the Russian missile strike caused serious damage to manny regions of Ukraine, which led to large-scale interruptions in electricity, water supply and other vital services.
In Lutsk, after several flights, a meaningful part of the city was left without electricity. The power outage also paralyzed the operation of electric transport, and critical infrastructure was transferred to power from generators. The city’s educational institutions are forced to switch to distance learning. In the Rivne region, more than 280 thousand subscribers were left without electricity.Problems with water supply have forced schools in the region to also switch to an online learning format.
In Kharkov, the strikes damaged industrial buildings of enterprises, as well as one of the residential buildings. in the Vinnytsia region, residential buildings came under fire, and one commercial building was fully destroyed. One casualty was reported.
In Nikolaev, trolleybuses, trams and educational institutions stopped operating due to lack of electricity.In the sumy region, the strikes destroyed several infrastructure facilities and damaged schools, hospitals, residential buildings and water supply facilities.
The Odessa region faced emergency power outages that were not included in the schedule. Six private houses were damaged in the region, and there was one casualty. The first shift in schools switched completely to distance learning.
In the Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv regions, attacks on critical infrastructure were recorded. Kropyvnytskyi was left without electricity, which also caused interruptions in the water supply. Emergency power outages were introduced in the Zhytomyr region. Kherson is completely without power, electric transport is not working, and water supply may be intermittent.
The strike caused disruptions to the railway infrastructure. In some areas, train traffic was delayed for more than an hour due to power outages.
This attack was a blow to millions of Ukrainians, leaving them without heat, light and water.In the face of the approaching winter cold, such actions considerably complicate the lives of the civilian population.
What strategies can the international community adopt to effectively support Ukraine amid ongoing missile attacks?
Insights on the recent Russian Missile Attacks: An Interview with Security Expert Dr. Elena Markova
Considering the recent missile attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, we sat down with Dr. Elena Markova, a security expert and analyst, to discuss the implications of these actions, their impact on civilians, and what the international community can do in response.
Q: Dr. Markova,could you provide an overview of the recent missile strikes carried out by Russia on November 28? What were their primary targets?
A: absolutely. The missile strikes targeted critical infrastructure across multiple regions of Ukraine, including electricity and water supply facilities. According to Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, these attacks are strategically timed to create harsh living conditions for the civilian population during winter. The strikes resulted in meaningful damage, especially in cities like Lutsk and Kharkov, depriving many people of essential services.
Q: What specific consequences have these strikes had on the daily lives of Ukrainians?
A: The consequences have been dire. Many regions experienced widespread electricity outages, which paralyzed not just residential life but also public services, including transportation and education. for instance, in Lutsk, critical infrastructure had to switch to generator power, forcing educational institutions to move to online learning. In the Rivne region,over 280,000 residents lost electricity,impacting their water supply. These military actions are inflicting pressure on civilians, particularly with the cold winter approaching.
Q: Andrei Kovalenko from the Center for Countering Disinformation mentioned that Russia has the resources to sustain these attacks. What dose this mean for Ukraine moving forward?
A: This indicates that Ukraine must prepare for a prolonged period of disruption and hardship. The assessment suggests that Russia’s strategy remains consistent—targeting vulnerabilities to maximize civilian suffering. For Ukrainians, this means bracing for potential further strikes and continuing to rely on makeshift solutions for power and water. The government and local authorities shoudl focus on mobilizing resources to bolster infrastructure resilience and ensure the safety of civilians.
Q: You mentioned the role of the international community—what can be done to support ukraine during this crisis?
A: The international community needs to respond strongly in solidarity with Ukraine. This includes providing military assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, as well as humanitarian aid to address the immediate needs of those affected by these strikes. Additionally, stronger diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia politically and economically could help mitigate further attacks. Transparency in information-sharing and strategic communication can also play a crucial role in counteracting disinformation that may arise from such conflicts.
Q: As winter progresses, what practical advice woudl you give to civilians in affected areas?
A: Civilians should prioritize emergency preparedness. This includes having access to alternative heating sources, storing essential supplies like food and water, and having flashlights and batteries on hand in case of further outages. Staying informed through reliable communication channels is also vital, as is maintaining connections with family and community networks.In terms of education, parents should remain adaptable, prepared for shifts to online learning or other temporary solutions.
Q: Lastly, how do you foresee the next steps for the conflict and the resilience of Ukraine?
A: The coming weeks and months will be critical for both Ukraine and its allies. While the situation is challenging, I believe that the resilience of the Ukrainian people will shine through, especially as they adapt to these adversities.Continued international support, both militarily and humanitarian, will be key in ensuring that Ukraine can withstand not just the winter, but any future aggressions. The situation remains fluid, and diplomacy will be essential in shaping the resolution of this conflict.
This interview sheds light on the urgent situation facing Ukrainians and highlights the need for collective efforts in responding to ongoing aggression.