Russian Shelling Targets Ukrainian Energy Facilities
On Friday, Ukrainian officials reported a significant nighttime assault by Russian forces on energy facilities. This attack resulted in power outages across nine regions, with parts of the capital, Kiev, left in darkness.
As winter approaches in a conflict that began in February 2022, the recent assault has tragically claimed the life of a 7-year-old child and injured over 20 others in the southeastern part of the country.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the civil and energy infrastructure as primary targets for Russian attacks, particularly as the heating season draws near. He urged allies in Kiev to take more robust actions. “We need decisive measures from the United States, Europe, and the G7 concerning air defense systems and enforcing sanctions, rather than mere appearances,” he stated.
For many residents of Kiev, the day began under challenging circumstances, including power and water outages, as well as delays in transportation.
Anatoly, a 23-year-old student, shared, “When I left home, there was no electricity or running water. I can’t make it to work because the metro isn’t running, and the buses are packed.” He expressed uncertainty about navigating the city, having spent the night in a hallway due to the loud explosions.
Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko described the attack as one of the most severe targeting energy infrastructure, with significant damages reported.
Governor Mykola Kalashnik mentioned that around 28,000 households in the Kiev region were still without power as of Friday morning.
Additionally, energy infrastructure in the central Poltava region was impacted, leaving approximately 17,000 customers without power. Ukraine’s private energy company DTEK reported substantial damage to one of its thermal power plants, though specific details weren’t immediately available.
The government expressed hope that water supply in the capital would be restored by the end of the day, as efforts are underway to provide power to critical infrastructure amid the ongoing repairs.
