Russian forces launched a major attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in the early morning hours of Friday, March 22nd. As a result, several cities experienced power outages, emergency plans were put in place, and injuries were reported.
Attack on Dnipro hydroelectric dam
Zaporizhia faced a massive onslaught, with reports of 12 missile attacks hitting the city. according to To Ivan Fedorov, head of the Regional Military Administration (OVA).
According to preliminary information, seven buildings were destroyed and 35 damaged. “Some people were injured, and we are still determining the number of casualties,” Fedorov said.
Petro Andryushchenko, an adviser to the exiled mayor of Mariupol, revealed that a missile hit a trolleybus that was driving across the Dnipro hydroelectric dam during the Russian attack. At that time, the trolleybus was full.
The bombing of the city completely closed the road across the Dnipro hydroelectric dam.
In response to this situation, the Counter Disinformation Center highlighted that Russia is planning a series of information and psychological operations (IPSO) in response to large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure. False reports are already circulating, including claims that dams have been destroyed and warnings that Ukraine will be completely without electricity.
The center clarified that “all of this information is false.”
Emergency services and energy personnel are currently on scene after reports of a fire at the dam.
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Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on the verge of power outage
Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Khrushchenko announced on Facebook that Russia is currently carrying out the largest attack on Ukraine’s energy industry in recent history. He added that the attack disabled one of the power lines supplied by the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear energy facility, was captured by Russian forces early in the conflict, but the power grid continues to be fed by Ukrainian power lines.
“During a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine at 5:10 a.m., the external catenary connecting the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the Unified Energy System of Ukraine was severed,” Ukrainian nuclear operator Energoatom said. Stated. report.
“This situation is extremely dangerous and could lead to an emergency,” the message said.
Energoatom further warned that if the last transmission line were severed, the power plant would be “on the brink of power outage again, resulting in a serious violation of the plant’s safe operating conditions.”
Kharkov energy collapse
The Russian military carried out more than 15 airstrikes against energy facilities in Kharkiv, plunging the city into near-total darkness.
“All emergency services are already operational.” report Chief of Regional Military Administration Ole Sinevov.
Kharkov Mayor Ihor Terekhov I got it. The city is said to be facing water supply problems due to power shortages at pump substations. In addition, electric transport such as trolleybuses and trams will not be available on regular routes during the morning, and buses will operate according to the blackout plan.
Kharkiv’s metro is now functioning only as a shelter after a massive rocket attack.
Emergency power outage in Dnipropetrovsk and Kryvyi Rih
The strike caused power outages in some areas of Dnipro.
A combined attack by Russian missiles and Shahed drones hit Krivi Rif in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
“Critical infrastructure has been affected and an emergency closure schedule has been implemented in the city.” said Oleksandr Virkul, Chairman of the Kryvi Rih Defense Council.
Hospitals and other critical facilities have been switched to generators, and no casualties have been reported.
In Kamianske, Dnipropetrovsk region, most of the city is without power. according to To Mayor Andriy Bilousov. Water and heat supplies have been affected, tram traffic has been suspended, schools are now operating remotely and kindergartens close at noon.
Attacks by Russia in various places
In the Sumy region, an emergency shutdown schedule was temporarily introduced in the Sumy, Konotop and Shostka districts due to missile attacks on energy system objects. Charging points for phones and devices are available and energy workers are working to restore power.
Russian forces are also known to have attacked the Khmelnytsky region, damaging infrastructure and causing casualties.
Khmelnytsky Mayor Oleksandr Simchyshin explained “It’s terrible,” he said this morning, citing damage to infrastructure and residential buildings and casualties.
In the Vinnytsia region, hybrid tactics were used, combining unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. Serhii Borzov, Vinnytsia OVA director, report Critical infrastructure facilities were hit.
In the Lviv region, fire brigades are currently extinguishing a fire caused by a drone attack at an energy infrastructure facility in the Stryi district. In addition, a fire broke out in the forest massif of the Zolotiv district.
During the Russian air raid, explosions were heard in Prikalpattya, and both drones and rockets targeted the area, causing casualties.
“An attack occurred on a critical infrastructure object.” said Svitlana Onischuk, head of OVA.
Preliminary reports said there were no recorded power outages in the area and one person was injured.
President Zelenskiy’s reaction
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, saying Russian forces used more than 60 Shahed drones and nearly 90 missiles of various types.
“The world is clearly witnessing the targets of Russian terrorists: power plants, energy supply lines, hydroelectric dams, residential buildings and even trolleybuses,” he said.
“Russia is waging war against the normal life of people. My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of those who died in this terrorist act,” President Zelenskiy added.
President Zelenskiy assured continued efforts to restore power supplies and stressed that there would be no delays for Russian missiles “unlike the aid package for our country.”
“Unlike some politicians, Shahid drones will not hesitate. It is important to understand the costs of delays and postponed decisions. Patriot systems must protect Kharkov and Zaporizhia. Air defense is essential to protect human lives, infrastructure, homes and dams,” the President of Ukraine said.
He reiterated the need to quickly provide essential weapons to Ukraine’s partners to protect them from the threat posed by “inhuman entities coming from Moscow.”
