Ukraine races to repair energy infrastructure after massive Russian drone strikes leave thousands without power, heating and water across multiple regions
KYIV: Ukrainian repair crews are working around the clock to restore energy infrastructure following one of Russia’s most devastating attacks on the power system.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed crews were scrambling to repair damage caused by hundreds of drones targeting energy facilities overnight into Saturday.
“Restoration efforts are ongoing, and although the situation is difficult, thousands of people are involved in stabilising the system and repairing the damage,” he said in his evening address.
The northeastern Kharkiv and Sumy regions faced the most severe conditions alongside central Poltava.
Approximately 100,000 customers lost electricity, water and heating in Kharkiv region alone, according to Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba.
Poltava authorities reported partial power restoration on Sunday though damaged equipment left sections of its main city without electricity.
Scheduled power cuts will continue Monday across most Ukrainian regions to balance the strained grid.
Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk described the attacks that killed four people as “one of the most difficult nights” for Ukrainian energy since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s power and heating infrastructure throughout the nearly four-year conflict.
Deputy Energy Minister Artem Nekrasov noted Moscow’s new tactic of simultaneously striking generation, transmission and distribution systems.
“This complicates the prompt restoration of normal power supply and the normal operation of the energy system,” he explained.
Zelensky observed Russian forces had “increased their attacks, enhancing their strike power by using more ballistic missiles”.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed it struck “enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and gas and energy facilities that support their operation”.
Ukraine responded with counterstrikes on Russian energy infrastructure affecting over 20,000 people in border regions.
Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported severe damage to electricity and heating networks in the regional capital.
Kursk region authorities confirmed a power plant fire left 10 localities without electricity while Voronezh reported heating facility damage.
Ukraine’s air force stated Russia launched 69 drones at energy facilities overnight into Sunday with 34 intercepted. – AFP
