[キーウ １６日 ロイター] – On the 16th, Russia carried out missile attacks on various parts of Ukraine. At least three people were killed and energy infrastructure was damaged in nine locations, causing emergency power outages across the country, Ukrainian officials said.
Important infrastructure was attacked in Kharkov to the east, Odessa to the south and Vinnitsa to the west. Kharkov, central Poltava, parts of the capital Kyiv (Kyiv) and the northern province of Sumy experienced power outages.
The mayor of Kharkiv and others have denounced “massive” damage.
Ukraine’s military commander said air defense missiles had downed 60 of 76 missiles fired at critical infrastructure. An air force spokesman said Russian forces flew fighter jets into the vicinity of Ukraine in an attempt to disrupt air defenses.
Electricity company Uquenergo has warned that repairs will take longer than before and that restoring power will take longer. Energy Minister Harshchenko told state television that he had confirmed damage to about nine power plants, adding, “At the moment, we are still confirming the extent of the damage.”
A Reuters reporter confirmed at least three explosions in Kiev. Air defense systems have been activated throughout Ukraine. The railway company said many lines were without electricity.
Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president’s office, said houses in the central area of Kriby-Irif were damaged and people could be trapped under the rubble.
In a Telegram post, Tymoshenko urged citizens not to ignore the warning and to stay in the shelter.
Officials in the southeastern province of Zaporozhye are working to repair infrastructure damaged by the Russian attack but have warned that blackouts could occur again.
“There have been 15 Russian missile impacts,” the Zaporozhye Star region governor said on Telegram, urging citizens to prepare for temporary restrictions while damaged infrastructure is restored.
Energy company DTEK said it had already cut power to Kiev to carry out repairs.
Kiev officials said it was one of the biggest rocket attacks since the invasion began in February.
“Russia’s goal is to put the Ukrainian people under constant pressure, force them to evacuate on a daily basis and make them uncomfortable with blackouts and water outages,” Sviridenko said in a Facebook post. We will win.”
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