A Russian assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure resulted in the deaths of four individuals and led to power outages in multiple areas, according to Ukrainian officials on Saturday.
In recent months, Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities, particularly affecting natural gas plants that provide essential heating fuel for the nation.
Experts warn that Ukraine could face heating shortages as winter approaches.
“Russian strikes have repeatedly disrupted daily life for the populace. They have taken away power, water, and heating from communities, damaged crucial infrastructure, and harmed railway systems,” stated Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 458 drones and 45 missiles at Ukraine overnight, with the Ukrainian defense successfully intercepting 406 drones and nine missiles.
In Dnipro, a drone attack tore into a nine-story building, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries, as relayed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
The assaults have necessitated emergency power outages and disrupted water supply in Kharkiv, where the mayor noted a significant electricity shortage.
In Kremenchuk, located in the eastern Poltava region, local authorities reported an absence of electricity, water, and limited heating.
Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba highlighted considerable train delays and accused Russia of escalating strikes against locomotive depots.
“We are actively working to mitigate the aftermath across the country with a strong emphasis on swiftly restoring heat, electricity, and water,” Svyrydenko added.
Throughout nearly four years of invasion, Russia has persistently targeted Ukraine’s power and heating systems, causing extensive damage to vital civilian infrastructure.
Additionally, drone strikes affected energy facilities in Odesa, a southern region of Ukraine, late Friday, as stated by the area’s governor, Oleh Kiper, who confirmed damage but no casualties.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the strikes were aimed at “enterprises within the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and energy facilities that support their operations.”
These attacks on energy infrastructure have raised alarms about potential heating shortages as the conflict approaches its fourth winter.
The Kyiv School of Economics reported that these assaults have led to a halt in half of Ukraine’s natural gas production.
Ukrainian energy expert Oleksandr Kharchenko warned in a media briefing that if Kyiv’s two power and heating plants were to go offline for more than three days when the temperature falls below minus 10 degrees Celsius, it could result in a “technological disaster” for the capital.
In response, Ukraine has increased its strikes on Russian oil depots and refineries in recent months, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s essential energy exports and create fuel shortages.
Furthermore, drone attacks on energy facilities in Russia’s Volgograd region on Friday night have also led to power outages there, according to Governor Andrei Botcharov.
