More than 1,000 apartment blocks in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv remain without power after a Russian bombardment of the country’s energy system overnight.
Strikes on Friday disabled heating during a cold snap, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying Russia had launched 1,100 drones, more than 890 guided aerial bombs and 50 missiles, including ballistic, cruise and medium range missiles, over the past week.
Ukraine‘s energy ministry said Russian forces attacked its power systems again during the night, briefly cutting off electricity to the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Russia has intensified its bombardment of Ukraine’s energy systems since its full-scale invasion in 2022.
The strikes on Friday left virtually the entire city without power and heating.
It was not until today that authorities restored water supplies and began to restore electricity and heating.
Mr Zelensky said Russia had deliberately waited for freezing weather to target Ukrainians, branding the move “a cynical Russian terror specifically against civilians”.
There was no immediate response from Moscow.
The war’s fourth winter could be the coldest and darkest yet.
Temperatures already below -12C and are set to plunge to -20C degrees.
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‘The difficult situation will continue’
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram: “Restoration work is ongoing.
“However, the energy supply situation in the capital remains very difficult.
“According to forecasts, the severe frosts are not expected to subside in the coming days.
“Therefore, the difficult situation in the capital will continue.”
Ukraine hits back
Later today, Ukraine’s military said it had struck three drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea, belonging to Russia’s Lukoil oil firm.
It said it had struck its V. Filanovsky, Yuri Korchagin and Valery Grayfer platforms.
The military added: “These facilities are used to support the Russian occupation army. Direct hits have been recorded.
“The extent of the damage is being assessed.”
