U.S. has viewed wreckage of kamikaze drones Russia used in Ukraine
Washington PostDec 22, 2022
Day 239 Roundup: Rolling Blackouts Planned Throughout Ukraine; More Strikes on Energy Infrastructure
Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]
The Facts
Following a fortnight of Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure — which have driven numerous areas into darkness — Ukraine's principal energy provider, Ukrenergo, began imposing rolling blackouts across the country on Thursday.
A statement from Ukrenergo's press office said: "The reason for [Thursday's] restrictions is the lack of power in the system." They also stated that they couldn't "rule out" asking for the support of Ukrainians more often as the nation faces "the onset of the cold weather."
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia's attacks on civilian infrastructure — namely on Ukrainian supplies of electricity, water, and heating — as winter approaches constitute war crimes. They must be met with a strong response from the international community.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia's response to Ukraine's actions has so far been restrained, but Moscow has repeatedly warned that its patience is not infinite. In the wake of ongoing terror attacks — including the strike on the Crimean Bridge — Russia's tough response has been long coming.