Russian Strikes Damage Energy Facilities in Three Ukrainian Regions, Injuring One Worker

On April 27, 2024, Russian strikes impacted energy facilities in three Ukrainian regions - Dnipropetrovsk, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk - according to Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko. The strikes caused damage to equipment and injured at least one energy worker who suffered a contusion at one of the facilities.

Galushchenko reported the details of the attacks on the Telegram messaging app, noting that "there is damage to the equipment, and the aftermath of the attacks is being confirmed. Work is ongoing to eliminate the damage caused by the strikes."

DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, said its four thermal power stations were hit and the company's equipment was seriously damaged. The Russian strikes are part of an ongoing bombardment of the Ukrainian power sector since March 22, which has resulted in Ukraine losing about 80% of its thermal generation and 35% of its hydropower capacity.

Despite mild spring weather, Ukraine has faced an electricity deficit and had to introduce scheduled electricity cut-offs in several regions and turn to emergency electricity imports. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukrainian air defense shot down 13 Russian missiles, but energy facilities in Dnipropetrovsk and Kryvyi Rih were still impacted, and the water supply was disrupted in Kryvyi Rih.

Why this matters: The ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have severely impacted the country's power generation capabilities, leading to electricity shortages and disruptions in water supply. These strikes highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure during the ongoing conflict and the challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining essential services for its citizens.

The head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, Serhii Lysak, reported that the attacks caused fires and impacted energy facilities in the Dniprovskyi and Kryvyi Rih districts, leading to water supply interruptions. A 39-year-old man was also hospitalized in moderate condition. The attacks were part of a larger series of missile strikes across Ukraine, including in Kharkiv, where a psychiatric hospital suffered shattered windows, and in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Key Takeaways

• Russian strikes hit energy facilities in 3 Ukrainian regions, damaging equipment.
• Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK reported serious damage to its facilities.
• Ukraine has lost 80% of its thermal generation and 35% of hydropower capacity.
• Attacks caused fires, water supply disruptions, and injured an energy worker.
• The strikes highlight the vulnerability of Ukraine's critical infrastructure during the conflict.