NATO warplanes scrambled as Putin stages 'barbaric' Easter bombardment of Ukraine's power stations
NATO fight jets raced to respond to a series of Russian bombardments targeting Ukrainian power stations. The attacks hit power plants in western Ukraine that left many without power.
Power stations in theStryi, Lviv region, and Burshtyn, Ivano-Frankivsk region, both in the direction of Poland, an EU and NATO member.
"We warn you that Polish and Allied aircraft have been activated in the Polish airspace,” said Operational Command of Poland’s Armed Forces. “Intensive long-range aviation activity of the Russian Federation is being observed.”
Ukraine defence officials confirmed the attack and said Russia targeted the country with 60 Shahed unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and 39 missiles of different types. Despite this there was still significant damage.
"Overnight Russia launched another massive air attack on Ukrainian fuel and energy facilities," Ukraine's Ministry of Defence said in a post shared today on X, formerly Twitter. "We are grateful to our warriors for a job well done. Ukraine needs more air defence systems from our partners, including Patriot air defence systems, to protect critical infrastructure and civilians from Russian terror."
Generating facilities were hit as well at the Kryvvi Rih Thermal Power Plant in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's home region of the same name. Gas storage facilities were also struck the in Lviv region.
Martin Harris, the British ambassador to Ukraine said on X this morning: "Russia is stepping up its vile attacks on Ukraine's cities and citizens this Easter. My #GoodFriday began in the bunker. #StandwithUkraine."
While the attack took place on Easter Friday in the UK, Ukraine celebrates it on May 5 as it follows the Julian calendar like many other Orthodox Christian countries.
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