Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight left over 1 million residents in the Dnipropetrovsk region without access to water or heating, as reported by a Ukrainian minister on Thursday, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
Similar to previous winters, Russia has ramped up its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, resulting in widespread heating and water shortages. These actions are viewed by Kyiv and its allies as a calculated effort to undermine the civilian population.
A large-scale drone assault by Russia also caused power outages in the Zaporizhzhia region, affecting thousands who were left without electricity or heating, as stated by the state grid operator, Ukrenergo, late Wednesday.
“Efforts are underway in Dnipropetrovsk to restore heating and water services for more than a million residents,” wrote Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba on social media.
The situation in Dnipro is dire at the moment, with a critical state following the Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. Approximately 600,000 families in the area are currently without electricity, water, or heating, and mobile networks are unreliable. Electric transport services are also suspended.
The Ukrainian air force disclosed that Russia launched an attack using 97 drones, of which 70 were intercepted by air defense systems, while 27 struck various targets, although details were not provided regarding the specific locations.
According to Vladyslav Haivanenko, the military head of Dnipropetrovsk, the attack damaged vital energy infrastructure in the region. He noted on Telegram, “The situation is challenging. Nonetheless, as soon as security conditions allow, energy workers will commence restoration efforts.”
In Zaporizhzhia, electricity has been restored to “essential facilities,” but the majority of consumers still remain without power, as reported by Governor Ivan Fedorov.
In response to the ongoing assaults on its energy grid, Kyiv has conducted strikes on Russian oil depots and refineries, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s crucial energy exports and instigate fuel shortages.
