Continued international support Is crucial to protect Ukraine’s energy system

The handover took place in Kyiv alongside Sweden and the EU. On the same day, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy system, the largest so far. The attack included 94 missiles and 193 drones in multiple waves. The drone assault lasted for 11 hours, followed by a 2.5-hour-long missile strike.

‘The attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure demonstrate the Russian government’s willingness to inflict suffering on the civilian population and its goal of undermining Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. At the same time, Ukraine’s impressive air defense response shows the country’s resilience and determination to protect its citizens. However, continued international support remains crucial to ensure Ukraine can continue to withstand these attacks and safeguard its infrastructure’, said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

81 missiles and 80 drones were shot down, and 105 drones were likely to have been redirected through electronic warfare during the December 13 attack. Additionally, 11 Russian cruise missiles were shot down by F-16 fighter jets. The attacks were aimed at strategic targets, including transformer stations connecting Ukraine’s nuclear power plants to the grid.

The strikes, which also targeted critical power stations in western Ukraine, appear to have been aimed at disrupting energy transfers from European countries to Ukraine. Damage was also reported to several water and heating systems, particularly in Odesa and Ternopil.

The attacks have caused significant, but not critical, damage to the country’s energy system. However, they are a clear indication that Russia is likely to continue its large-scale air assaults on Ukraine in the coming days and weeks, with the availability of missiles being the only limiting factor.