Kyiv, Dec 13 (NationPress) Explosions reverberated throughout Ukraine on Friday morning as Russia initiated a significant missile offensive against its energy infrastructure, according to Ukrainian media reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Telegram that initial assessments indicated 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones were deployed in what is considered one of the most extensive assaults on our energy sector.

Reports from Xinhua, citing the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, confirmed that explosions were reported in the northern Kyiv region, the southern Odesa region, as well as the western regions of Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk.

In light of the assault, Ukraine's state-owned energy firm, Ukrenergo, announced plans to implement stricter power supply limitations.

Russia's defense ministry claimed that this extensive strike, which utilized high-precision long-range air and sea-based weapons alongside drones, was a reaction to Ukraine's attacks on its territory with US-made missiles.

Earlier in the week, the ministry reported that Ukrainian forces had employed six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles to target the Taganrog military airfield located in Russia's Rostov region. Moscow had pledged to retaliate with appropriate measures.

In a significant policy shift regarding the Ukraine crisis, the United States authorized Ukraine in November to utilize US long-range missiles for strikes on Russian targets, escalating tensions around the conflict.

Additionally, on Thursday, President Joe Biden's administration disclosed another armament package valued at $500 million for Ukraine.

The US Department of Defense stated that this latest military assistance marks the 72nd instance in which Biden has exercised his executive authority to approve funding since August 2021.

This tranche of weapons includes air defense capabilities, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, as well as anti-tank weaponry, among other supplies.

Earlier that day, John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the US National Security Council, mentioned during a daily press briefing at the White House that the Biden administration, with only weeks left in office, would continue to provide additional packages until the end of this administration.

President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office on January 20, indicated in an interview broadcast on NBC News that Ukraine should likely prepare for a reduction in American aid when his administration begins.

Trump expressed concerns regarding the disparity in financial support, stating that it is unfair for the United States to spend more than three times the amount that European countries allocate to assist Ukraine.

“Why isn't Europe contributing equally?” Trump questioned. “Europe should step up to match our support.”