A large-scale Russian assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure took place overnight early Saturday, resulting in explosions in Kyiv and widespread power outages. Approximately 1.2 million properties across the country lost power as a direct result of the attacks.
Impact in Kyiv
The capital city was particularly affected, with nearly 6,000 buildings losing heating. This comes at a time when temperatures are near −10°C (14°F). Many apartments were already experiencing freezing conditions due to prior damage sustained by the city’s centralised heating system.
Potential Future Developments
The attacks could lead to further deterioration of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, potentially exacerbating the existing challenges faced by residents during the winter months. A possible next step for Russia could be continued targeting of critical infrastructure. Analysts expect Ukraine will likely continue to seek assistance to repair and reinforce its energy systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the extent of the power outages?
Around 1.2 million properties nationwide lost power as a result of the attacks.
What were the temperatures like in Kyiv?
Temperatures in Kyiv were hovering near −10°C (14°F) at the time of the attacks.
Was Kyiv’s heating system already compromised?
Many apartments in Kyiv were already freezing due to earlier damage to the city’s centralised heating system.
How might these attacks impact the daily lives of Ukrainian citizens this winter?
