Russia on Monday launched some 200 missiles at Ukraine, targeting energy installations, while Polish media report that Warsaw has deployed aircraft to defend Polish airspace against the onslaught, and a U.S. airbase in Germany remains on full alert in a state of preparedness.
Parts of Kyiv have been rendered without power and water, according to Reuters.
"The desire to destroy our energy sector will cost the Russians dearly for their infrastructure," the Kyiv Post quoted Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, as saying.
According to the Kyiv Post, at least four people have been killed and authorities across the country have been forced to introduce emergency blackouts, with 15 regions targeted in one of the biggest assaults Moscow has launched in weeks in retaliation for Ukraine's brazen ground offensive on the Russian region of Kursk.
Ukraine's Kursk offensive has carried on now for nearly three weeks, with military authorities claiming that the advance continues. Russian forces are now attempting to advance in Ukraine's east, hoping to take the transport hub of Pokrovsk, according to the Kyiv Post.
Also on Monday, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted Russia's Engels airfield, home to military aircraft, in the Saratov region, though it remains unclear what the extent of the damage from that attack was. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on its Telegram channel on Monday that it shot down Ukrainian UAVs over Saratov overnight, the BBC reported.
According to Ukraine's UA wire, citing German intelligence sources, Germany has thwarted an alleged Russian plan to target a NATO air base in Geilenkirchen last week. The base was rendered combat ready following U.S. Secret Service warnings of a potential attack last week, and then the level of preparedness was reduced after it was determined that Moscow had withdrawn its plans.
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
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