Ukrainian energy infrastructure is “under massive attack,” Kiev’s energy minister has claimed
Numerous strikes were reported across Ukraine on Friday, causing power outages in Kiev and several other cities.
Energy infrastructure in all parts of Ukraine has come “under a massive attack,” Kiev’s energy minister German Galuschenko said. Power engineers are working to minimize the negative effects of the bombardment, he added.
According to accounts on social media, explosions have been heard in Odessa, Ivano-Frankovsk and other regions. Strikes have been reported in the town of Burtysh in Ivano-Frankovsk Region, where a key power plant is located.
Ukrainian media have reported emergency power outages in Kiev, Odessa and elsewhere. In Ternopol Region, some 50% of residents are currently without electricity, according to local authorities.
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Residents of Kharkov Region have reported sightings of missiles heading towards Dnepr (Dnepropetrovsk) Region, where Ukraine’s largest hydroelectric station is located.
According to national media, air defenses have been activated in Lviv Region, which borders Poland.
Warsaw has said its Air Force has raised jets over the border area, in response to the Russian missile bombardment in Ukraine.
The Russian Defense Ministry has not yet officially commented on the strikes.
Ukraine’s state-run energy company, Ukrenergo, has warned that 50% of the population could be left without power on Friday due to the attack.