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Where Ukraine's security stood on 26 November 2022
Summary
A look back at the days before 26 November 2022, when missile waves, blackouts and new Western support shaped the security picture.
What did the security picture around Ukraine look like on 26 November 2022? The reports from the preceding days describe sustained Russian strikes on civilians and infrastructure, alongside a series of pledges of support from Ukraine's partners.
Strikes on cities and the power grid
On 23 November 2022, Russian forces launched another wave of cruise missile strikes. At least six civilians were killed, including three in an apartment block in Vyshhorod, Kyiv Oblast, where 15 other people were injured. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that 21 of the 31 missiles targeting Kyiv were intercepted before they reached their targets.
Widespread blackouts were reported in Western Ukraine, and Lviv was experiencing a power outage. Moldova also reported massive power outages, although the country had not been directly hit by missiles.
On 24 November 2022, Russian Armed Forces bombarded Kherson. At least 15 people were killed and 35 others injured.
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
On 20 November 2022, the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar was shelled. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, some buildings, systems and equipment were damaged.
Air defence and aid
The strikes came days after the explosion in Przewodów, Poland, near the Ukrainian border, on 15 November 2022. Two people were killed there. Ukraine initially accused Russia of striking Poland, while the United States said the missile was likely an air defence missile fired by Ukrainian forces at an incoming Russian missile. Later, in September 2023, the Polish Prosecutor's Office stated that the explosion was caused by an out-of-control Ukrainian S-300 air-defence missile.
On 22 November 2022, Germany said it would deploy Patriot surface-to-air missile systems on the Poland–Ukraine border to protect Polish airspace. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said he had accepted the German proposal.
On 23 November 2022, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced that the United Kingdom would send three Sea King helicopters to the Ukrainian Air Force as part of a new £50 million support package.
Political response
The same day, the European Parliament designated Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. It cited Russian military strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine, including critical infrastructure, hospitals, schools and bomb shelters.
Taken together, the reports from 20 to 24 November 2022 show continued attacks on civilian areas and energy infrastructure, with neighbouring countries and Western partners responding through air defence deployments, military aid and political measures.
