Putin is fighting an 'internal power struggle' to weaken critics amid Russia's mounting military failures in Ukraine, war experts say
Business InsiderAPR 2023
Day 325: Blasts Rock Energy Infrastructure in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv
Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]
The Facts
Ukrainian officials reported that blasts were recorded at energy infrastructure facilities in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv on Saturday morning. In Kyiv, Reuters reported that air-raid sirens came following the blasts, which it said was highly unusual.
Lt. Gen. Oleksandr Pavliuk, Ukraine's deputy of its ground forces, said the attack on Kyiv didn't come from the air. "The explosions are unrelated to threat from the air, the work of air defense systems, or any other military activity," he said. "An alarm would have been sounded if there was a threat. The cause of the explosions will be reported separately."
Later, Yurii Ihnat, a spokesman for Ukraine's Air Force, said while fragments were being collected to determine the munitions used, they were "most likely" missiles that flew a ballistic trajectory. In addition to the infrastructure facility, Ukrainian officials said 18 private residences were damaged and there were no civilian casualties.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia's deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure — unnecessarily increasing the suffering of civilians — amounts to war crimes. This continuing Russian barbarity must be confronted.
Pro-Russia narrative
Attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are a direct consequence of the failure of the country's leadership to meaningfully engage in peace talks and their belief they can defeat Russia on the battlefield. These attacks will stop once a more sober position is reached.
