Ukrainians need to be ready for power outages this autumn and winter, as Russian forces continue to target the country’s energy infrastructure, a top energy provider warned, AFP reported.

Since the start of the invasion in 2022, Russia has launched waves of drones and missiles at Ukrainian energy facilities, causing temporary blackouts across the country. In previous winters, millions of people were left without electricity, and authorities regularly announced extended planned outages to conserve power.

“Of course, no one can predict exactly what will happen this autumn, but after the recent strikes, there is little reason for optimism,” said Sergei Kovalenko, CEO of the Ukrainian energy company Yasno.

Russia carried out its largest airstrike against Ukraine to date, killing several people and setting fire to a government building in Kyiv for the first time since the war began three and a half years ago.

Kovalenko urged citizens to “charge portable batteries and flashlights” and prepare for prolonged outages.

The Ministry of Energy reported that a power plant in Kyiv Oblast was “under heavy shelling.” “The goal is clear: to create even more hardships for Ukraine’s civilian population, leaving homes, hospitals, kindergartens, and schools without light and heat,” the statement on Telegram read.

Russia also targeted “critical infrastructure” in the northeastern Sumy Oblast, the regional energy operator Sumyoblenergo reported. | BGNES