Yesterday, Russian forces launched massive strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing power outages in large parts of Kyiv and several regions, as well as water supply disruptions, according to international media and Ukrainian sources.
According to The Telegraph, these attacks are seen as the beginning of a new — already fourth — winter of large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, the purpose of which, according to the publication, is to deprive the civilian population of heat and light and weaken support for the resistance. In recent weeks, Russian shelling of energy facilities has significantly intensified — on October 3, almost 100 drones and missiles were fired at facilities in the Kharkiv and Poltava regions, the authors of the material emphasize.
Kyiv has told allies that the latest strikes have knocked out about 60% of Naftogaz's gas production capacity, leaving Ukraine with nearly $3 billion to import fuel to keep its citizens warm through the winter. The capital has appealed to the G7 countries for financial and technical assistance, as well as additional air defense systems.
On the night of October 10, a new wave of strikes in Kyiv resulted in partial power outages in the Holosiivskyi, Darnytskyi, Desnianskyi, Dniprovskyi, Podilskyi, and Svyatoshynskyi districts; local authorities introduced blackout schedules. Water supply disruptions were also reported in some regions.
Particularly tragic consequences were recorded in the Zaporizhia region: a 7-year-old boy was killed during the shelling, his parents were injured; gas infrastructure facilities in the region were also damaged. Information about other victims and the full picture of the destruction is being clarified.
In parallel, Ukraine is ramping up its own long-range strikes on Russian refineries and pipelines, making it more difficult for the enemy to access fuel. However, the damage inflicted on Ukraine's energy sector has already necessitated additional fuel purchases and infrastructure repairs — monthly and annual cost estimates are currently being worked out by the authorities.
