Russia launched its most significant aerial assault on Ukraine in nearly three months early on Sunday November 17, sending 120 missiles and 90 drones across the country. This air strike resulted in at least seven deaths and severe damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The unprecedented strike targeted critical energy facilities, heightening the strain on Ukraine’s already vulnerable power grid at the cusp of a harsh winter ahead.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that air defences had intercepted 140 incoming targets, including 104 missiles and 42 drones. Despite this, the attack left widespread damage in multiple regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Rivne. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that they shot down 104 of the 120 incoming missiles and 42 drones, while 41 other aerial targets disappeared from radar.

Local authorities have implemented emergency power cuts across the country, and the national grid operator Ukrenergo announced planned power restrictions for Monday, November 18, between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM (04:00-20:00 GMT).

The assault began around 2:00 AM local time. Several Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv, were hit and caused destruction and civilian casualties. According to Ukrainian officials, at least seven people including children were killed.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Ukraine's largest private energy provider, DTEK reported severe damage to power plants and critical equipment. Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, stated that, “Severe damage to Ukraine’s energy system, including to DTEK power stations. These attacks again highlight Ukraine’s need for additional air defence systems from our allies.”

Ukrainian authorities have pointed out that the regular destruction of energy infrastructure has been a key part of Russia's strategy. They aim to break the morale of the Ukrainian population. Zelenskyy too condemned the attack, describing it as an attempt by Russia to intimidate the Ukrainian people by destroying vital energy resources as winter approaches. "Russian terrorists are once again trying to intimidate us with cold and blackouts, repeating their actions and trying to get results from them," Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strikes and emphasized that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is prohibited under international law. "Any such attacks are unacceptable and must end immediately," said Guterres' spokesman, Stephane Dujarric.

In another major update, the US President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to attack Russia using US-made weapons. According to media reports, Ukraine is planning a counter-attack on Russia in the near future.