Russia hits Odesa energy infrastructure, cuts power for thousands, governor says
Russian forces have struck a critical energy facility in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region, causing extensive damage and leaving thousands of residents without electricity, local officials reported on Tuesday. The overnight attack, which utilized attack drones, triggered a fire at the facility and partially severed power to settlements across three territorial communities.
Odesa Regional Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed the strike on the Telegram messaging app, describing the incident as a “cynical attack” on the region’s energy infrastructure. According to Kiper, the damage was concentrated in the southern part of the region, where an administrative building was also hit. Emergency services were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the resulting fire and assess the structural impact.
While no casualties were immediately reported in connection with this specific strike, the disruption to the power grid has had significant consequences for the local population. Critical infrastructure facilities, including hospitals and water supply systems, have been forced to switch to backup generators to maintain operations.
Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, DTEK, issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the situation. “The damage is extensive. Repairs will take a long time to restore the equipment to working order,” the company said. Energy workers are currently on-site attempting to stabilize the grid and restore power to affected households, though the timeline for full restoration remains uncertain.
The strike on Odesa was part of a broader aerial assault launched by Russia overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a total of 125 attack drones, including Shahed-type loitering munitions, at targets across Ukraine. Air defense units managed to intercept and neutralize 110 of these drones. However, some unmanned aerial vehicles evaded defenses, striking targets in Odesa and other regions.
This latest bombardment continues a pattern of targeted strikes against Ukraine’s energy network, a strategy that has intensified during the winter months. With temperatures dropping, the stability of the power grid is vital for heating and water supply. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure to break the morale of the population, a charge the Kremlin denies, asserting that its strikes are aimed at facilities supporting Ukraine’s military capabilities.
The Odesa region, home to Ukraine’s largest Black Sea ports, has been a frequent target throughout the conflict due to its strategic economic importance. Governor Kiper urged residents to remain vigilant and heed air raid warnings as the threat of further attacks remains high.
* straitstimes.com
* globalbankingandfinance.com
* ukrinform.net
* kyivpost.com
* thehindu.com
* straitstimes.com
* caspianpost.com
* kyivindependent.com
* kyivindependent.com
* financialpost.com
* euromaidanpress.com
