Russia fired more missiles into Ukraine in October in nighttime attacks targeting the power grid in particular than in any other month since the beginning of 2023, according to an AFP analysis of Ukrainian data.
Russian forces launched 270 missiles at the country in October, a 46 percent increase from September, according to a compilation of data provided daily by the Ukrainian Air Force.
This is the largest number of missiles launched in a single month into Ukraine during nighttime bombings since the Ukrainian Air Force began publishing daily reports in early 2023.
Russian attacks have left tens of thousands of people without power. Moscow is targeting Ukraine's power grid for the fourth consecutive winter as part of a strategy to weaken the Ukrainian population, Kiev and its supporters say.
In October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that by targeting his country's electricity grid so intensively, Russia wanted to "sow chaos" and "exert psychological pressure."
As in previous winters, alternating power outages were implemented throughout October in all regions of the country, including Kyiv, to alleviate shortages due to damage.
In 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issued arrest warrants for senior Russian military officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine, including missile attacks on Ukrainian power infrastructure.
In October, Russia also carried out 5.298 nighttime long-range drone strikes on Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. That's a six percent decrease from September, but still close to record numbers.
In retaliation, Kiev has attacked Russian oil depots and refineries in an attempt to cut off hydrocarbon revenues that fund the Kremlin's war effort. These attacks have led to a rise in fuel prices in Russia in recent months.
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