White House on Ukraine energy grid attack: Putin’s effort to ‘plunge them into darkness’

The White House claimed on Friday that Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine’s energy grid is an attempt by Russian President Vladimir Putin to “plunge” the country into “darkness.”

Adrian Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, said: “Russia overnight launched the largest air raid on Ukraine’s energy grid since the start of the war, and during the still cold early spring months, many people in the country lost heat. They took away water and electricity,” he said. In a statement.

“This shelling is part of a series of Russian attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine and is a frightening reminder of President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to crush the spirit of the Ukrainian people and plunge them into darkness.” Watson said.

Russia fired 99 drones and missiles at regional energy infrastructure across Ukraine on Friday, part of an escalation of attacks in recent days, the Associated Press reported. Mr. Ukenegro, the state grid operator. Said The attack targeted thermal and hydroelectric power plants and caused emergency shutdowns in several regions, according to a Telegram translation.

Throughout the war, which entered its third year last month, Russia has sought to use attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure to shore up the country’s defenses, especially during harsh winter conditions.

In a statement, Watson renewed his call for the House to pass a bipartisan national security supplement bill that would allow the United States to provide Ukraine with additional air defense equipment.

“Ukraine’s needs are urgent and we cannot afford any further delays.” The White House has warned that the situation in Ukraine is dire.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky I wrote it in X’s post The country is “working hard not only to counter Russian influence, but also to persuade partners to increase the supply of air defense systems and missiles.” Earlier this week, Kiev’s leaders petitioned House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) for help.

“We are well aware of what Russia is preparing. They are drunk on war and do not try to stop themselves,” Zelenskyy said.