Emergency power outages have been introduced across almost all of Ukraine following a series of Russian air strikes targeting key energy infrastructures. This situation marks the fourth consecutive winter of blackouts since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The energy ministry confirmed that only the eastern Donetsk region, a frontline in the ongoing conflict, remains exempt from these enforced blackouts, while the northern Chernihiv region is already experiencing regular outages.
As Russia continues its offensive on Ukraine's power grid, the country has ramped up its own attacks on Russian oil refineries, inflicting significant damage and trying to disrupt the supply chain crucial to the warfare.
Images and reports highlight the aftermath of Russian strikes, with a recent attack leading to flames engulfing an oil depot in Crimea, underscoring the escalating conflict affecting both nations.
Ukraine is also facing challenges with fluctuating temperatures, with forecasts predicting nighttime lows of around 3°C as people navigate life amid power outages. The Ministry of Energy has advised citizens to conserve electricity as emergency repairs are ongoing.
President Zelensky has accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure to exert psychological pressure on the populace. As Ukraine faces another tough winter, they call for increased support from Western allies to bolster their defenses and navigate this dire situation.
