Russia delivers powerful retaliatory blow after Ukrainian ‘terrorist attacks’

Russia has launched what it describes as a large, precision-based retaliatory strike against Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure, following recent attacks on Russian civilian regions.

Moscow’s Defense Ministry said the operation used advanced long-range sea- and air-launched weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and strike drones, targeting facilities linked to Ukraine’s military logistics, drone production, and energy systems supporting frontline operations. Russian officials said the mission achieved its objectives, adding that air defenses intercepted more than 160 Ukrainian drones attempting to strike Russian territory over the same period.

Ukrainian leadership acknowledged widespread impacts on its energy network, with officials reporting hundreds of incoming drones and dozens of missiles primarily aimed at power infrastructure.

Damage was reported at substations, transmission lines, and generation facilities across several regions, forcing emergency power restrictions nationwide. Ukrainian authorities said some nuclear units were temporarily reduced to help stabilize the grid, while emergency electricity imports were requested from neighboring countries as repairs begin.

The strikes come after Ukrainian attacks that caused major disruption to energy and heating infrastructure in Russia’s Belgorod region, as well as rocket strikes in Bryansk that Russian authorities say damaged residential areas and injured civilians.

Image credit: Nadiia Ganzhyi