Ukraine‘s Odessa Region Faces Widespread Power Outages Following Russian Strike
Odessa, Ukraine – A Russian attack on Ukraine’s Odessa region has left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity, officials reported Friday.The strike targeted critical energy infrastructure, disrupting power supply to homes and businesses across the region.
The attack, which occurred late Thursday, involved missiles and drones, according to Ukrainian military officials. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, energy provider DTEK reported significant damage to transmission lines and substations. As of Friday morning, approximately 500,000 residents were without power, with disruptions impacting essential services like water supply and heating.
“the situation is critical,” stated Serhiy bratchuk, spokesperson for the Odessa Regional Military Management, in a televised address. “Repair crews are working around the clock, but restoring full power will take time given the scale of the damage.”
This latest attack on Ukraine’s energy grid comes as Russia continues its campaign to cripple the country’s infrastructure during the winter months. Previous strikes have targeted power plants, substations, and other vital facilities, leaving millions without heat and electricity. Ukraine has repeatedly called on its allies to provide additional air defense systems to protect its critical infrastructure.
The Odessa region, a vital port city on the Black Sea, has been a frequent target of Russian attacks throughout the war. The region plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s grain exports, and disruptions to its infrastructure have global implications for food security.
Ukrainian officials have vowed to repair the damage and restore power as quickly as possible, but warned that further attacks are likely. The ongoing conflict continues to pose a significant threat to Ukraine’s energy security and the well-being of its citizens.