The key facts

  • Part of Kyiv was left without power and water pressure dropped — Ministry of Energy and Klitschko, evening of October 15
  • In Lutsk, debris of downed drones damaged power lines, causing electricity and water outages
  • NYT: a plan to attack the power systems of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa could deprive them of ~90% of electricity

Outages in Kyiv after strikes

According to DW, Ukraine's Ministry of Energy and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on the evening of October 15 that after Russia's strike, part of the capital's districts was left without electricity. The ministry said repair crews had begun restoring power supply to the extent that safety conditions allow. According to Klitschko, damage to energy facilities in the Kyiv region also led to reduced water pressure in some districts of the city.

Strikes on Volyn region

On the evening of the same day, Russian forces also attacked the Volyn region. Head of the regional military administration Roman Romaniuk said air defense forces shot down three jet-powered drones. According to him, debris from the downed drones damaged power lines, causing disruptions to electricity and water supply in Lutsk.

Reports of a plan to attack power systems

The New York Times reported that Russia has prepared a plan of strikes aimed at disabling the power systems of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa. The publication cites Gazeta, which, according to it, presented the plan to European officials in early autumn; the document is described as captured. According to the cited estimates, if the plan were implemented, these cities could lose almost 90% of their electricity, and heating supply would be sharply reduced; serious disruptions to water supply and sewage systems are noted as likely. The publications emphasize that these figures reflect possible consequences, not current damage.

Shortage of Patriot missiles

According to Gazeta's sources, Russia may try to take advantage of Ukraine's shortage of air defense means, in particular missiles for Patriot systems.