Key Takeaways
• Russia damages energy facility in Kharkiv ||| • Hits worsen Ukraine's energy crisis ||| • Blackouts and heating cuts plague major cities ||| • Southern ports targeted causing damage |||
At Kharkiv, a Strike Attacked Critical Infrastructure
Authorities reported that Russian forces have attacked and damaged an energy facility in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, according to reports by local officials. This attack comes amid Moscow’s intensified winter air campaign that has plunged millions into darkness while leaving many without heating during cold conditions. Emergency crews were dispatched immediately upon hearing of this attack site where emergency teams remain working around-the-clock at its site of impact.
Kharkiv, located only 25 kilometers from Russia’s border, has been repeatedly targeted with drones, missiles and glide bombs since the start of hostilities, which will enter their fifth year next month.
Worsening Pressure on Ukraine’s Energy System
Russian strikes against electricity distribution networks and key energy installations have further compromised Ukraine’s already vulnerable power grid, further straining Ukraine’s already vulnerable energy system. Russian attacks also coincide with increased battlefield pressure, forcing Kyiv into defensive mode as international calls are growing for peace negotiations to explore avenues towards reconciliation.
Oleh Syniehubov, Regional Governor in Ukraine’s Ternopil region said authorities are still assessing the full scope of damage from this strike, noting how infrastructure loss has caused rolling blackouts and interruptions to heating and water supplies – particularly at this time of severe cold wave in Russia.
Blackouts and Heating Cuts Are Common
Over the last week, power outages and heating disruptions in major Ukrainian cities have worsened significantly due to an unexpected spike in energy demand due to extreme cold. Officials claim this surge is overwhelming infrastructure already damaged from months of sustained attacks.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported in Kyiv’s capital city, Kyiv, that around 300 apartment buildings remain without heating following an earlier strike that disabled heat distribution to nearly half of Kyiv’s high-rise buildings earlier this month.
Southern Ports Are Targets as Well
Russia has also ramped up attacks against Ukraine’s southern port infrastructure. A missile strike hit Chornomorsk port city near Odesa region’s Odesa region and injured one person and caused cargo containers damage, per Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba’s reports. These attacks demonstrate Moscow’s increased focus on disrupting both civilian life and logistics as winter conditions intensify.
