Russian Strikes Leave Hundreds of Thousands Without Electricity in Ukraine
Massive Attack on Energy Infrastructure
KYIV: Russian strikes left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without electricity, regional officials said Thursday, after Kyiv warned of a “massive” Russian attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Ukraine’s Plea for Air Defence Systems
Ukraine has been appealing to allies for more robust air defence systems to thwart Russian attacks on the war-battered country’s power system.
Regional Updates
Regional head Maksym Kozytsky reported that as of now, 523,000 subscribers in the Lviv region are without electricity. The western region, which borders EU and NATO member Poland, has been spared the worst of the fighting of Russia’s 33-month invasion but has been targeted in Russian drone and missile attacks sporadically.
In addition, officials said 280,000 households were cut off in the western Rivne region and another 215,000 in the Volyn region.
Kyiv Under Attack
AFP journalists in Kyiv heard blasts ring out over the capital overnight as air defence systems targeted Russian drones and missiles. City officials said Moscow had launched a “combined” drone and missile attack on Kyiv with air-launched cruise missiles and “various types of drones”. Debris from projectiles that were shot down damaged buildings in at least two districts, they said.
Regional Cuts
Residents of the western Khmelnytsky region were also cut off from electricity while the Russian attacks targeted “critical infrastructure” in Ivano-Frankivsk region, officials said.
Emergency Blackouts
Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian electricity grid operator, said emergency blackouts were being introduced across the country. The latest bout of strikes have piled pressure on the battered Ukrainian grid that has already come under several large-scale attacks this year.
Conclusion
The Russian strikes have left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without electricity, highlighting the urgent need for robust air defence systems to protect the country’s energy infrastructure. As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s resilience and determination to defend its sovereignty will be tested once again.
FAQs
Q: How many people are affected by the power outage?
A: According to regional officials, 523,000 subscribers in the Lviv region, 280,000 households in the Rivne region, and 215,000 households in the Volyn region are without electricity.
Q: What is the extent of the damage?
A: Debris from projectiles that were shot down damaged buildings in at least two districts in Kyiv.
Q: What is Ukraine’s response to the attacks?
A: Ukraine is appealing to allies for more robust air defence systems to thwart Russian attacks on the war-battered country’s power system.