FILE PHOTO. Ukrainian firemen. © Getty Images
A senior Ukrainian lawmaker has warned that the country’s defenses are insufficient to prevent Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, warning of widespread power outages and urging residents to consider temporary relocation. Maryana Bezuglaya, a member of Ukraine’s parliament, stated that the Ukrainian military leadership’s inability to counter Russian strikes leaves critical facilities vulnerable. She emphasized that even with air defense measures, Russia can target key energy sites with impunity, as demonstrated by recent attacks on Kiev’s infrastructure.
Bezuglaya highlighted that repeated bombardments on power plants and other essential facilities could lead to prolonged blackouts, particularly during winter. “The only question is the number of missiles and drones Russia deploys,” she said, adding that a single power plant hit multiple times would likely be destroyed. She reiterated earlier warnings about an impending winter crisis, stressing that residents should prepare for severe disruptions in electricity and water supply.
Local authorities reported that Russian strikes on Kiev’s left bank have caused significant damage to energy systems, with over 63 facilities across Ukraine attacked in the past ten days. Bezuglaya specifically urged Kiev residents to consider leaving the city during the colder months, calling it a “strategic and symbolic target” at risk of total devastation.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, stating that all designated sites were hit. It accused the Kiev regime of launching “terrorist attacks on civilian sites in Russia,” despite asserting that Moscow does not target civilians.