Ukraine's Missile Shortage Leaves Power Plant Vulnerable to Russian Strike, Zelensky Reveals

Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelensky revealed that due to a lack of air defenses, Ukraine was unable to stop a Russian airstrike that devastated the largest power plant in the Kyiv region last week.

According to Zelensky, Russia launched 11 missiles at the Trypilska power plant. Although Ukrainian air defenses were successful in intercepting the first seven missiles, the remaining four missiles caused catastrophic damage, resulting in the plant's destruction.

Zelensky explained to PBS NewsHour in an interview that aired Monday that Ukraine had run out of all missiles, leaving them with zero. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, as Russia intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Despite repeated warnings from Zelensky about the critical shortage of air defenses, a military aid package from the United States has been stalled in Congress for months. House Republicans have been blocking the much-needed assistance, further complicating Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

The Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Ukrainka, Kiev district, Ukraine, was severely damaged after a rocket attack on April 11, 2024. The engine room of the plant was completely destroyed as a result of the Russian missile strike. This plant, which was the largest power-generating facility in the Kyiv region, supplied electricity to Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr. Despite the destruction, there were no power outages reported in Kyiv or the surrounding areas. The Trypilska TPP, a 1800 MW thermal power station built by the USSR in 1969 and completed in 1977, was permanently disabled during the Russian invasion of Ukraine when the main turbine hall was set on fire by Russian missiles.

UKRAINKA, UKRAINE - APRIL 11: An aerial view of the destroyed engine room of Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP) after rocket fire on April 11, 2024 in Ukrainka, Kiev district, Ukraine. After a Russian missile attack on Thursday night, Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP), Ukraine's largest power-generating plant in the Kyiv region, was reported completely destroyed. It supplied electricity to the regions of Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr. No power cuts occurred in Kyiv or other supplied regions. Trypilska TPP was a 1800 MW thermal power station in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, built by the USSR in 1969 and completed in 1977. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the station was permanently disabled on April 11, 2024 after Russian missiles set fire to the main turbine hall. (Photo by Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

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Russia has shifted its tactics in an attempt to disrupt Ukraine's power grid. Zelensky pointed out that Iran's recent failed attack on Israel highlighted the ability of Western nations to defend their allies. Iran launched over 300 projectiles at Israel in a rare assault, but thanks to the assistance of US, UK, French, and Jordanian air defenses, the attack was successfully thwarted.

Israel alone wouldn't be able to defend against such a strong attack. They have air defense and aviation capabilities that Ukraine doesn't have, Zelensky noted. He also wondered why Israel receives extensive support from NATO countries even though it's not a member of the alliance.

Israel is not a member of NATO. However, NATO allies have come to Israel's defense, demonstrating to Iranian forces that Israel has support. This serves as a reminder to those who suggest caution in aiding Ukraine to avoid involving NATO countries in the conflict.

Despite providing some aid packages, the primary $60 billion US funding has not yet been presented for a vote in Congress by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Johnson announced on Monday that he plans to introduce a revised Ukraine funding bill in the House by the end of the week. This bill will be distinct from the funding bills for Israel and Taiwan. However, there is uncertainty surrounding its passage due to opposition within Johnson's own party.

House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to the press following a House Conference meeting to discuss Iran's attack on Israel at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Monday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to the press following a House Conference meeting to discuss Iran's attack on Israel at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Monday.

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Zelensky found the division of the bill to be "strange" and driven by "pure politics."

He expressed frustration, stating, "Nobody seems to care about the daily deaths in Ukraine. It's all about maintaining approval ratings. Let's not forget that the deceased individuals are not concerned about ratings."

Congress should reconsider their decisions regarding political matters in Ukraine and vote to support countries that rely on their aid.

Zelensky has reiterated his concerns that Ukraine could lose the war if the US does not provide military assistance.

Without this support, we won't stand a chance of winning," he said. He also mentioned that Russia has a significant advantage in terms of artillery shells, with a ratio of 10-to-one. "In order to fully defend what we have control over, we would need to increase our resources from one to ten," he explained.

Editor's P/S:

This article highlights the dire situation Ukraine faces due to the lack of air defenses and the urgency for military aid. Despite repeated warnings from President Zelensky, the much-needed $60 billion US funding package remains stalled in Congress due to political divisions.

The recent Iranian attack on Israel underscores the importance of air defenses, as Western nations successfully thwarted the assault with their advanced capabilities. Ukraine lacks such defenses, leaving them vulnerable to Russian airstrikes that have targeted their energy infrastructure. Zelensky's frustration is understandable, as the delay in military aid puts Ukraine at a significant disadvantage in the ongoing conflict. The lives of innocent civilians are at stake, and it is imperative that Congress prioritize the urgency of this crisis and approve the necessary funding to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.