By V. E. K. Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Infrastructure Damage Deepens Humanitarian Crisis
A Russian attack on a power facility in Ukraine has left 100,000 people without electricity in the north western region of Sumy. National grid operator Ukrenergo reported that efforts are underway to restore power following the strikes, which caused emergency shut offs for consumers in the city and region of Sumy, bordering Russia. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or additional damage apart from the energy facility.
Russia continues to target energy facilities across Ukraine, often causing extended blackouts and leaving people without essential services such as running water, air conditioning, or life saving medical equipment during sweltering summer conditions. Over the past three months alone, Ukraine has lost nine gigawatts of generating capacity due to enemy action, including the loss of all thermal power plants and damage to all hydroelectric sites from drone or missile strikes, as stated by Ukrenergo. This capacity is equivalent to powering the whole of the Netherlands during peak consumption hours and more than a third of Ukraine's pre invasion capacity.
Poland has been diverting surplus electricity to Ukraine to help mitigate the impact of Russian strikes, but Ukrenergo has had to schedule power cut offs throughout the day across the country as domestic generation and electricity imports cannot cover the deficit. Maria Tsaturian from Ukrenergo acknowledged the public's frustration with the frequent and prolonged power cuts but emphasized the lack of alternatives. "We are at war. The energy sector is one of the targets for the Russian terrorists. And it is obvious why, all our life, all our civilization, is built on electricity," she said. "This is the price we pay for freedom."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian air defenses successfully shot down 24 out of 27 Shahed kamikaze drones launched by Russia on the night of July 5-6, according to the Air Force Command on Telegram. The drones were intercepted over areas including the Sumy region, using electronic jamming and anti air defenses.
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