Russian air strikes have targeted and destroyed the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant, located near Kyiv, Ukraine.
This coal and gas-fueled power plant was capable of producing 1,800 megawatt hours, supplying more than half of the electricity used by the Ukrainian capital city. Its operator, Centrenergo, said the facility was completely destroyed.
The attack that took place on April 11, 2024, involved a combination of missile and drone attacks. Moscow claimed that the attack was retaliation for alleged Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy installations. The Russian Defense Ministry boasted of “massive strikes”, deploying over forty missiles and drones aimed at crippling Ukrainian oil, gas, and electricity facilities.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement: “The strikes disrupted the work of the Ukrainian military industry enterprises, thwarted the transfer of reserves to combat zones, and made it difficult to supply fuel to the AFU troops and military units.”
“We believe that in this way we have an impact on Ukraine’s military-industrial complex,” Russian President Vladimir Putin declared.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported a barrage of 82 missiles and Iranian-designed Shahed-type kamikaze drones being launched against Ukraine. Various types of missiles were deployed during the mission, including Kh-101 and Kh-555 air-launched cruise missiles, Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, Kh-59 air-launched standoff missiles, and missiles from S-300 air defense systems repurposed as surface-to-surface weapons.
The Trypil Thermal Power Plant in Kyiv Oblast has been completely destroyed by a nighttime strike from Russia. Nearby roads are blocked, and Kyiv residents are preparing for another round of blackouts. pic.twitter.com/HO2jjeWtcV
— Yuliia Paievska (Taira) (@taira_paievska) April 11, 2024
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba condemned the attack, emphasizing Ukraine’s vulnerability to ballistic strikes and calling for more Patriot air defense systems to be supplied. In a press briefing, Illia Yevlash, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, stated that Ukraine requires 25 Patriot systems to develop a robust air defense system. The system should also include short, medium and long-range air defense capabilities, complemented by fighter jets for better support.
