Russian airstrikes cut off electricity to 600,000 Ukrainians in Kyiv and Kharkiv
The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy announced on Saturday the serious consequences of the nighttime raids and intense missile strikes launched by Russian forces on Ukrainian territory between Friday night and Saturday morning. The ministry confirmed that these attacks resulted in a complete power outage affecting more than 600,000 people, exacerbating the humanitarian and economic crisis in the country.
In its official statement, the ministry explained that the capital, Kyiv, was the hardest hit by this new wave of shelling, with more than 500,000 residents left in darkness due to damage to distribution networks and power stations. The damage was not limited to the capital; the surrounding Kyiv region also experienced power outages affecting more than 100,000 people, in addition to approximately 8,000 people in the strategic eastern region of Kharkiv.
Energy infrastructure targeting strategy
These strikes are part of a Russian military strategy, ongoing since the fall of 2022, aimed at crippling Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Moscow relies on a combination of cruise missiles and drones to target power plants and electricity transmission networks, posing immense challenges for Ukrainian authorities in repairing damage and ensuring the continued operation of essential services for citizens and medical facilities.
Humanitarian repercussions and fears of a harsh winter
This widespread power outage is raising growing concerns about the humanitarian situation, especially given that large segments of the population rely on electricity for heating and water supplies. These attacks are a powerful form of pressure that directly impacts the morale of the population and the state's resilience, particularly in light of international warnings about the worsening conditions as the colder months approach, which require high energy consumption.
Field and international context
On the ground, these airstrikes coincide with the continuation of fierce fighting on the eastern and southern fronts. Kyiv has repeatedly called on its Western allies to bolster its air defense systems to protect its airspace from ballistic missiles and drones targeting the Ukrainian interior. Observers note that the continued targeting of the power grid reflects a Russian desire to deplete Ukrainian resources and keep the home front under constant pressure, making energy a key bargaining chip in this ongoing conflict.
