Russia Launches Missile Attack on Ukraine: Devastating Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure
On Thursday, Russia launched a devastating barrage of missiles against cities across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, the Black Sea port of Odesa, and the second city of Kharkiv.[0] At least six civilians have been killed, according to Ukrainian officials and media reports.[1] The attacks have also caused widespread power outages, with energy facilities among the key targets.
Ukraine reported that 81 missiles had been fired at the country and eight drones deployed in the strikes.[2] This included six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which mostly evaded air defenses.[3] The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, lost power as a result of the missile attacks, according to state nuclear operator Energoatom.[3] The sound of air raid sirens echoed through the darkness in Ukraine, including Kyiv, where blasts were heard in two western parts of the city.[4]
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least two people were wounded by the Russian missile attack in the west of the capital.[4] Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported on Telegram that there were “problems with electricity” in some parts of the city, with no electricity in the whole city and electric-powered transport not working.[3]
Ukraine destroyed 34 cruise missiles and four Iranian-made Shahed suicide drones, and eight drones and guided missiles were prevented from reaching their targets.[5] Emergency cutoffs were applied to the energy grid, affecting power supply to about 15% of Kyiv’s households.[4] In Kharkiv and the surrounding region, 15 missiles struck critical infrastructure and private homes, according to local governor Oleh Synehubov.[6]
US intelligence chiefs told a Senate committee that Russia is likely to downgrade its ambitions in Ukraine for the time being to hang on to territory seized after the start of its invasion.[7] However, with the devastating impact of the missile attacks, it remains to be seen what the long-term effects will be.
0. “Ukraine war: Russian missiles strike Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities” Axios, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/ukraine-war-russia-missile-strikes-kyiv-ukrainian-cities
1. “Russia-Ukraine live news: Mass missile strikes pound Ukraine” Al Jazeera English, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/3/9/russia-ukraine-live-moscow-strikes-hit-ukrainian-power-stations
2. “Russia-Ukraine war: Hypersonic missile strike hits Kyiv — follow latest” The Times, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/russia-ukraine-war-latest-news-putin-missile-strike-attack-live-2023-qnzhlndp6
3. “Ukraine-Russia war: Hypersonic missiles strike cities across Ukraine in first major attack in weeks” The Telegraph, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/03/09/russia-ukraine-war-news-latest-bakhmut-giorgia-protests-putin
4. “Russia fires barrage of missiles on Ukraine cities” Al Jazeera English, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/9/russia-fires-barrage-of-missiles-on-ukraine-cities-officials-say
5. “30% of missiles in Russia's night attack of type Ukraine cannot shoot down – Air Force” Euromaidan Press, 9 Mar. 2023, https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/03/09/russias-night-attack-was-made-with-30-of-missiles-ukraine-cannot-shoot-down-air-force/
6. “Ukraine Latest: Russia Kills Five in Nationwide Missile Barrage” Yahoo News, 9 Mar. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-latest-russia-kills-five-082932306.html
7. “Russia's War in Ukraine Latest News Updates: March 8, 2023” Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-08/ukraine-latest-eu-ministers-to-back-plan-to-send-ammunition
