**Ukrainian Drone Attack Causes Widespread Blackouts in Occupied Parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblasts**
A series of drone attacks carried out by Ukraine against energy infrastructure in Russian-occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts has resulted in widespread blackouts, according to Russian occupation authorities. The attacks, which took place overnight on June 3, have left hundreds of thousands of people without power.
According to Yevhen Balytskyi, the Kremlin-appointed head of the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, 457 settlements in the region were affected by the blackout, leaving more than 600,000 homes without electricity. In neighboring Kherson Oblast, Moscow-installed proxy Volodymyr Saldo claimed that drone debris damaged substations near occupied Henichesk and Melitopol, resulting in power outages across 150 settlements.
While Ukrainian officials have not commented on the claims, it is clear that these attacks are a continuation of Kyiv’s strategy to undermine Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort. Previous attacks on substations in Russia and Russian-occupied territories were aimed at disrupting the flow of electricity and resources to the military, making it harder for them to carry out their operations.
The regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson have been partially occupied since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The cities of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson remain under Ukrainian control and are frequently targeted by Russian forces. In a separate incident, a Russian drone attack on first responders near Vasylivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast injured at least 12 people.
The Ukrainian drone attacks demonstrate the country’s determination to resist Russian occupation and disrupt their military capabilities. As the conflict continues, it is likely that we will see more of these types of attacks, further highlighting the complexities and challenges of this ongoing war.
**Commentary**
The latest drone attacks by Ukraine against energy infrastructure in occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts demonstrate a significant escalation in Kyiv’s strategy to undermine Moscow’s war effort. By targeting substations and disrupting electricity supplies, Ukraine is able to limit the military capabilities of Russian forces operating in these regions.
The attacks also highlight the importance of energy infrastructure in modern warfare. In today’s digital age, access to reliable sources of power is crucial for military operations, communication systems, and other critical functions. By targeting these key assets, Ukraine is able to create significant disruptions and challenges for Russian forces, making it harder for them to carry out their objectives.
As the conflict continues, it will be interesting to see how Russia responds to these attacks and whether they are able to adapt and improve their defenses. One thing is certain, however: this ongoing war has entered a new phase of low-intensity conflict, with both sides engaging in asymmetric warfare tactics that blur the lines between traditional military operations and civilian activities.
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