Russian aggression has plunged tens of thousands into darkness and cold across southern Ukraine, as recent strikes targeted critical energy and heating infrastructure in Kherson and Odesa. With winter rapidly approaching, these attacks mark a significant escalation in Russia's efforts to cripple Ukraine's utility sector.
Devastation in Kherson: A Civilian Facility Destroyed
The frontline city of Kherson, which endured months of Russian occupation in early 2022, was particularly hard hit. Authorities confirmed that a heat and power plant, a purely civilian facility vital for residents, was "almost completely destroyed." Naftogaz CEO Sergii Korteskyi condemned the targeted bombing as "terrorism," highlighting that 40,500 customers were left without heat following the assault. Kherson faces near-daily bombardments from Russian missiles, drones, and artillery.
Odesa and Donetsk Also Suffer Major Outages
Further west, in the strategic Black Sea port city of Odesa, a separate overnight attack by Russian forces impacted a DTEK energy facility. This strike left a staggering 51,800 households without electricity, according to the Ukrainian energy company. The widespread power outages underscore the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure.
Beyond the southern regions, Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region also experienced severe disruptions. The energy ministry in Kyiv reported that approximately 60,000 residents in Donetsk were cut off from power amidst ongoing heavy fighting where Russian forces are attempting to advance.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
These deliberate assaults on vital civilian infrastructure as winter sets in intensify the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, leaving vulnerable populations without essential services amidst freezing temperatures.