On the night of 23 October, Russian troops attacked energy infrastructure facilities in the Zhytomyr region, causing widespread power cuts. According to the regional military administration, more than 900 settlements were left without electricity. To ensure critical infrastructure remained operational, backup power sources were activated and ‘Resilience Centres’ were set up in local communities. Emergency teams are working to restore the damaged networks, but repair work is being hampered by the constant threat of further Russian strikes.
- Russia has attacked energy infrastructure in the Zhytomyr region.
- More than 900 settlements remained without electricity.
- Critical infrastructure facilities have been switched to backup power supplies.
- Power company staff are carrying out emergency repair work on the damaged facilities.
More than 900 settlements in the Zhytomyr region were left without electricity
A night-time attack by Russian forces has caused widespread power cuts in the Zhytomyr region. According to the regional military administration, as a result of strikes on energy infrastructure Residents of more than 900 settlements were left without electricity.
Emergency repair teams are gradually restoring damaged equipment and electricity networks to working order. Information on the exact number of customers to whom electricity has already been restored, as well as a full list of the affected communities, has not yet been made public.
Critical infrastructure is running on backup power
Through damage to energy infrastructure Back-up power supplies have been brought into operation in the region. This enables the continued operation of vital infrastructure that requires an uninterrupted supply of electricity. The switch to autonomous power supply is a temporary solution until restoration work is completed and the situation in the power system has stabilised.
‘Points of Resilience’ have been set up in the Zhytomyr region
Following a widespread power cut, the following measures have been put in place for residents of the region: Points of invincibility. At these centres, people can receive assistance during prolonged power cuts, including charging their mobile phones and other essential devices, keeping warm and finding out the latest information.
Their work is particularly important for the elderly, families with children and members of the public who require a constant supply of electricity for essential equipment.
You can find your nearest ‘Point of Resilience’ via the official government service or by contacting your local authorities.
Six private homes have been damaged: what is known about those affected
Head of the Zhytomyr Regional State Administration Vitaliy Bunechko He clarified that during the night-time attack on 23 October, Russian troops targeted not only energy infrastructure but also residential areas. According to preliminary reports, six private homes were damaged.
As of this morning, there had been no reports of casualties resulting from the overnight strikes.
According to the regional governor, all the relevant services are working flat out to deal with the aftermath of the shelling and provide assistance to residents of the affected communities.
Energy workers are at risk of further attacks
Restoring the electricity supply is being hampered by the risk of further Russian attacks. Emergency repair teams are working round the clock; however, in the event of an air raid alert or the threat of renewed shelling, certain repair works may be suspended. This affects the timeframe for restoring power, as specialists must not only repair the damage but also ensure that consumers are safely reconnected to the grid.
It should be noted that over the past week, the Zhytomyr region has come under attack from Russian drones on several occasions.
In particular, on 19 October, Russian troops attacked the energy infrastructure of the Berdychiv community, and on 22 October, there were reports in the region of further strikes on energy facilities and private homes.
Consequently, more than 900 settlements were without electricity as at 07:00 on 23 October. The situation going forward will depend on the extent of the damage and the ability of power company staff to carry out repair work safely.
