Blow to Kyiv's energy sector: half of the city is in blackout, situation may worsen in coming days

Last night was one of the most difficult for Ukraine in recent months — powerful strikes on energy infrastructure left the capital and a number of regions without power. Half of Kyiv was left without electricity, and some areas have no water. The authorities warn that winter may be even more difficult. Residents are being urged to prepare for prolonged blackouts. Find out what the situation is with energy supplies and what people should prepare for

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On the night of 10 October, Russia launched a powerful strike on Kyiv and a number of other regions of Ukraine. The attack targeted energy facilities. As a result of the shelling, half of the Ukrainian capital was left without electricity and partially without water supply. We report on the consequences of the air strike and how the electricity situation may develop in the coming days.

The strike on Kyiv on 10 October: consequences

During the night, the Ukrainian capital was attacked by numerous drones and missiles targeting Kyiv's critical infrastructure. After 3 a.m., the lights went out on the left bank of the capital.

In addition, nine people were injured as a result of the enemy attacks. Residential buildings in the Pecherskyi district were destroyed. There, debris from downed drones caused a fire in a multi-storey building. State Emergency Service workers managed to rescue only 20 residents, while nine others were injured. Five people are under medical supervision.

In addition to Kyiv, the Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Poltava, Cherkasy regions and Zaporizhzhia were also hit. In these regions, the attack also affected energy facilities. A boy was killed in Zaporizhzhia.

Read also: How transport will operate during blackouts in Ukraine: metro, buses, taxis

How badly has the energy sector been affected?

The official channel of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine confirmed that the enemy is launching a massive attack on the Ukrainian energy system.

Meanwhile, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that the capital had experienced one of the most devastating attacks. ‘The situation is difficult,’ he added.

The situation remains difficult in the Chernihiv region, where the local power company has been forced to implement two rounds of emergency power cuts for some consumers (including those in the regional centre).

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Will the situation worsen?

Overall, the coming winter may prove to be much more difficult for Ukrainians than previous ones due to increased Russian shelling of the country's energy facilities. Many people, including UN experts and members of the Ukrainian government, have been talking about this over the past two weeks.

‘Russia is preparing to launch strikes that will lead to blackouts in Ukraine on the eve of winter,’ UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the end of September from the UN podium.

It is worth noting that Kyiv residents have already been urged to prepare for prolonged power outages. For example, MP Mariana Bezuhla advises Kyiv residents to temporarily leave the capital for the winter. The MP noted that Kyiv is a strategic and symbolic target for the Russians.

‘It is possible that it will be completely “shut down”. Completely — that means darkness without sewage or water supply in the middle of winter,’ Bezuhla suggested.

She explains the situation with the consequences of the shelling by the fact that the Russians have a large number of weapons.

‘The only question is the number of missiles and drones. If, for example, 50 “suicide bombers” and a dozen “Iskanders” are launched at one thermal power plant, it will be destroyed, regardless of the presence of protection,’ she explained.

In addition to Bezugla, Mayor Klitschko also addressed the residents of Kyiv. He noted that a repeat attack on Kyiv is expected in the coming days.

"I urge the residents of Kyiv to focus as much as possible and act pragmatically. Stock up on water, prepare a first aid kit, a set of food supplies, and charge your autonomous power devices. Prepare warm clothes. Do not ignore the alarm signals," Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

If you are in Ukraine as a foreigner, you should also take care of your own safety. We always recommend taking out medical insurance with coverage for war risks — it guarantees assistance even in emergency situations. You can easily take out such insurance on the Visit Ukraine website. To do this, select the type of coverage, the term of the policy, and fill out a simple form with your personal details. You will receive the finished insurance policy at the email address you provided.

Reminder! The occupier is again attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure, increasing the risk of blackouts in cities and regions. To avoid being left without light, heat, and communication, it is worth preparing in advance and having simple and affordable gadgets on hand that will help you get through power outages comfortably. Find out what items you should definitely have at home and how to prepare for possible power supply instability.

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