Ukraine’s air force expects a record number of Russian drone strikes this coming winter, spokesman Yuriy Ihnat warned, adding that Kiev is preparing for a second winter of massive bombing of its energy facilities.
Ihnat said September data shows Russia’s use of Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones exceeds last year’s figures. “It’s already a record. More than 500 (used) in September,” he said, quoted by the Reuters agency.
Attacks on energy facilities last winter damaged a significant part of Ukraine’s energy system and forced most cities to ration electricity and hot water.
Although Ukraine has strengthened its air defenses, authorities have warned of the risk of a repeat this winter, with the power grid still far from being rebuilt after the latest bombings.
Ihnat’s statements came on the same day a Russian attack on the Kherson region left 12 dead, including a nine-month-old baby and his mother.
According to local authorities, Russian forces carried out 59 attacks in the region in 24 hours, including 19 bombings of the city of Kherson.
Source: DN
