More than 1,000 apartment complexes in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, are currently lacking heating after a brutal assault by Russia earlier this week, as per local authorities on Sunday. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, there has been an escalation in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia has deployed 1,100 drones, more than 890 guided aerial bombs, and over 50 missiles, comprising ballistic, cruise, and medium-range weapons, targeting Ukraine in the past week. A recent missile strike on Kyiv on Friday resulted in a widespread power outage and loss of heating in the city during freezing temperatures. Authorities managed to restore water supply and partially reinstate electricity and heating by Sunday.
Zelenskyy condemned Russia for deliberately worsening conditions for Ukrainians by waiting for cold weather, labeling it as “a cynical Russian terror directed at civilians.” There has been no immediate response from Moscow. The ongoing damage to the power grid is exacerbating the situation, with the fourth winter of the war potentially being the harshest and darkest yet, as temperatures are expected to drop below -20°C.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that despite ongoing restoration efforts, the energy supply situation in the capital remains challenging, with severe frosts predicted to persist. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Energy Ministry reported fresh attacks by Russian forces on the power system, causing brief power outages in the southeastern regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted that there were 44 attacks on energy facilities and critical infrastructure throughout the week, emphasizing the urgent need for restoration efforts. Svyrydenko highlighted that significant improvements in Kyiv’s utilities might take time but could be achieved by Thursday.