NATO member Romania has confirmed it will provide Ukraine with a Patriot missile system, in response to Ukraine's continuous requests for enhanced air defense as Russia targets its energy infrastructure.

Last week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that Russia had obliterated half of Ukraine’s electricity-generating capability. He urged for seven Patriot missile systems and other defenses to protect Ukrainian cities.

Attacks on Russia

The rise in conflict has notably included mutual attacks on each other’s critical facilities. Russia resumed airstrikes targeting Ukraine’s power grid, leading to disruptions and injuries, while Ukraine carried out drone attacks on Russian oil facilities.

Ukraine's national power company, Ukrenergo, reported extensive damage in several regions, causing widespread power outages, and mentioned that additional blackouts would occur despite help from European nations.

On the Russian side, officials reported fires at oil storage sites caused by Ukrainian drones, resulting in significant damage to facilities that supply the Russian military.

Romania has coordinated this donation with its allies, emphasizing the security deterioration in Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude, noting that this assistance would strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.

The Ukrainian air force confirmed intercepting a majority of the incoming threats during Russia’s latest missile and drone attack. Despite these defenses, several Ukrainian energy facilities suffered severe damage, impacting electricity distribution nationwide.

Further drone attacks by Ukraine targeted Russian regions, causing fires at oil depots. Russian authorities documented these incidents but highlighted that their defense systems downed a significant number of drones.

Russia's Ministry of Defence stated that over 26,000 Ukrainian drones have been shot down since the conflict erupted.