Kyiv, Ukraine – In a major escalation, Russia launched a large-scale missile strike on Ukraine on March 7, deploying 10 Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic bombers and Black Sea warships to target key energy and gas infrastructure across the country. The attack, the first of such magnitude in months, occurred in two waves before dawn, with explosions reported from Ternopil in the west to Kharkiv in the east.
Widespread Damage and Injuries Reported
Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko confirmed that the strikes hit critical facilities, prompting an immediate response from emergency crews. The attack injured at least two people in Poltava Oblast, a central region, where a missile struck residential buildings. Officials have not yet disclosed the condition of the injured.
The assault began around 4 a.m. local time, with a second wave of missiles entering Ukrainian airspace by 6 a.m. According to Suspilne, Ukraine’s public broadcaster, explosions were first reported in Ternopil at 5 a.m., followed by Kharkiv at 6:30 a.m.
In Poltava Oblast, a gas pipeline was severely damaged, raising concerns about potential shortages. Ternopil Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Nehoda stated that a key infrastructure site in his region was affected, possibly disrupting the energy supply.
“Emergency crews are assessing the situation, and restoration efforts are already underway,” Nehoda said.
In Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Governor Svitlana Onyshchuk also reported attacks on infrastructure but confirmed that no casualties had occurred.
How the Attack Unfolded
The missile barrage primarily involved Kalibr cruise missiles, a long-range weapon system launched from Russian naval platforms in the Black Sea. The Kalibr 3M-14 missiles, developed by the Novator Design Bureau, have an operational range of over 1,500 miles and are designed to evade radar detection by flying at low altitudes between 50 to 150 feet.
Military analysts emphasize that Kalibr missiles are highly effective in targeting infrastructure, as they use a combination of inertial navigation and satellite positioning to ensure precision strikes.
“The Kalibr’s versatility makes it an ideal weapon for deep-strike operations, particularly against power grids, pipelines, and military command centers,” said Michael Kofman, a senior research scientist at CNA, a defense think tank.
Tu-95MS Bombers and Naval Coordination
The Tu-95MS strategic bombers, which Ukrainian intelligence tracked in the air, played a key role in the operation. These Soviet-era aircraft, upgraded with modern avionics, are capable of carrying cruise missiles and are easily recognizable due to their distinctive turboprop engines.
“Deploying 10 Tu-95s at once is highly unusual,” said Mark Schwartz, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general. “This suggests a well-coordinated effort between Russia’s air and naval forces to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses.”
Initial estimates place the total missile count between 30 and 40, but official confirmation is still pending.
Echoes of the 2022 Energy Strikes
The March 7 attack recalls a massive Russian missile strike on November 17, 2022, when over 90 missiles and dozens of drones were used to cripple Ukraine’s energy grid ahead of winter. That operation left millions without electricity and tested Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
“The intent seems similar,” said Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S. “They are targeting civilian infrastructure to maximize disruption.”
Unlike the 2022 attack, which focused on Kyiv and eastern Ukraine, the March 7 assault covered a broader area, affecting regions from Ivano-Frankivsk to Poltava.
Timing and Possible Strategic Intent
The attack comes less than two weeks after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on February 27. While the meeting was described as “productive,” it did not yield firm commitments on military aid.
A March 5 report by The New York Times suggested that U.S. intelligence support to Ukraine has decreased, possibly affecting early warning systems for missile strikes.
“That gap likely played a role,” a senior Ukrainian defense official told The Times, speaking anonymously.
Indeed, Ukrainian air raid alerts on March 7 sounded with short notice, reflecting increased strain on air defense systems.
Aftermath and Recovery Efforts
By midday, regional leaders provided initial assessments. Governor Nehoda confirmed that gas distribution crews were working to restore supply in Ternopil, while Governor Onyshchuk in Ivano-Frankivsk reported damage but no loss of life.
In Poltava, emergency teams prioritized repairs on the damaged gas pipeline to prevent further supply disruptions.
“Our teams are working around the clock,” Halushchenko said, “but this is a heavy burden.”
Russia’s Tactical Shift and Ukraine’s Growing Challenges
This latest Russian offensive highlights a tactical shift, combining long-range missile strikes with strategic bomber deployments.
For Ukraine, it underscores a persistent vulnerability despite months of relative calm in large-scale missile attacks. For Russia, it signals Moscow’s ability to escalate at will, stretching Ukraine’s defense and repair resources across a broad geographic area.
With both sides locked in a war of attrition, the events of March 7 reaffirm that the conflict is far from over.
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