KYIV: Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have disrupted electricity, heating and water supplies, leaving more than 500,000 people without essential services, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Associated Press reported that Zelenskyy said Russian forces had launched ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones against energy facilities, damaging critical infrastructure and disrupting electricity supplies in several areas.
According to Ukrainian officials, 28 electricity distribution and transmission facilities, along with other important energy installations, were damaged. Emergency crews began repair work to restore essential services.
Kyiv and surrounding areas were also reportedly targeted. Ukrainian authorities said a 21-year-old woman was killed in the attacks.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had not received advance warning from its international partners before the first wave of attacks. He added that information concerning the second wave arrived too late to allow the air-raid warning system to be activated in a timely manner.
Russia’s Defence Ministry, meanwhile, claimed that its strikes targeted military-related facilities, including installations involved in producing supplies and components for drones and cruise missiles.
Ukrainian authorities said emergency repair operations were continuing in affected areas. Zelenskyy warned that continued attacks on energy infrastructure could increase hardships for civilians as winter approaches.
The disruption has raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to maintain essential services during the colder months, particularly if further attacks damage power generation and distribution facilities.