Russia attacks energy facilities in eight Ukrainian oblasts

Russia has carried out its second large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy system since the beginning of the year, with energy facilities in eight oblasts coming under missile and drone strikes.

Source: Ukrenergo, Ukraine's electricity transmission system operator

Quote: "Overnight and in the morning, the enemy carried out a large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy system, the second since the start of the year. Energy facilities in eight oblasts came under attack by Russian missiles and drones."

Details: Ukrenergo noted that power plants and substations belonging to the electricity transmission and distribution system were targeted.

All nuclear power plants in Ukrainian government-controlled territory were forced to reduce their power output as a result of missile strikes on key high-voltage substations that ensured power output from nuclear power units.

The power deficit in Ukraine's energy system has increased significantly due to the damage inflicted by Russia.

"This has led to a forced increase in the duration of scheduled hourly power outages across all oblasts. In addition, emergency outages are currently in effect in most oblasts and will be lifted once the situation in the energy system stabilises," Ukrenergo said.

"Emergency repair and recovery works at damaged energy facilities have already begun wherever the security situation allows. Power engineers are doing everything they can to get the equipment up and running again as quickly as possible and reconnect all consumers who have been left without electricity," the statement added.

At present, the priority is restoring power to critical infrastructure in oblasts where emergency outages are being applied.

Ukrenergo also reminded consumers that after the electricity supply is restored, it is strictly prohibited to switch on high-power electrical appliances immediately.

"We also kindly ask people not to switch on several high-power appliances at the same time today and, if possible, to postpone any energy-intensive activities until the situation in the energy system stabilises," the statement said.

Background:

• Ukraine's nuclear power plants were forced to reduce their generation capacity as a result of Russia's large-scale attack.
• On 7 February, Russia carried out a combined large-scale attack on Ukraine. In Kyiv Oblast, a fire broke out at the Roshen warehouse facility as a result of a nighttime Russian UAV attack. [Roshen is a major international confectionery corporation based in Ukraine founded by former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko - ed.]

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