Ukraine's energy infrastructure suffered a severe blow on Thursday as Russia launched a widespread missile and drone assault, plunging over a million homes into darkness. This marks the second major attack on the nation's power grid in under two weeks.

Ukrainian officials reported that the attack involved over 200 missiles and drones, impacting energy facilities across the country. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko confirmed the widespread nature of the attacks and the implementation of emergency power outages nationwide via Facebook.

Several regions, including Lviv in the west, Rivne in the northwest, the bordering Volyn region, and Ivano Frankivsk in the west, experienced disruptions, according to reports.

A Russian Su-34 bomber conducting an airstrike. (Source: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the use of Kalibr cruise missiles with cluster munitions against civilian targets, labeling the attack a concerning escalation. He urged Western allies to expedite the delivery of promised air defense systems, emphasizing their life-saving potential.

Russian Su-34 bomber in flight over Ukraine. (Source: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

Andrii Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, accused Russia of strategically accumulating missiles for winter warfare, alleging assistance from allies, including North Korea.

Russia's targeting of Ukraine during winter months is a recurring tactic aimed at disrupting essential services like heating and water, as well as hindering Ukraine's military production.

Ukrainians resort to generators after the attack. (Source: SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the destruction of nearly half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, according to reports.