Ukraine Power Grid Hit Amid Winter Crisis

According to the reports on Thursday (28 November), Ukraine’s power infrastructure came under heavy missile attack, with the energy minister, German Galushchenko, describing the assault as a “massive enemy attack.” The Ukrainian government had to implement emergency power cuts across the country, with temperatures dropping near freezing, causing significant strain on the energy sector. The national power grid operator, Ukrenergo, was forced to introduce these power outages to manage the damage.

The attack affected several major regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Donetsk, with widespread power outages. The energy provider DTEK confirmed that the outages were necessary due to the ongoing missile threats. The country’s military also declared a nationwide air raid alert, warning of incoming missiles targeting areas such as Kharkiv and Odesa. The situation led to heightened tensions, with local authorities urging civilians to take shelter.

In Kharkiv, at least three strikes hit the Kyivskyi district, although no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, explosions were heard in the city of Lutsk, highlighting the ongoing risk posed by the missile attacks. The escalation comes amid rising concerns about the coming winter, as Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been severely impacted by continued Russian strikes.

The timing of the missile attack coincided with political developments in the United States, where President-elect Donald Trump appointed Keith Kellogg, a staunch supporter, as his Ukraine envoy. Trump had campaigned on ending the war quickly and securing a ceasefire. However, critics worry that the U.S. may use military aid as leverage to pressure Ukraine into peace talks that could force it to make significant territorial concessions.

References

• Ukraine Faces Massive Attack on Power Grid Amid Winter Threat