- Ukraine Faces Widespread Energy Blackouts, Civilian Casualties, and Devastated Infrastructure as Attacks Intensify
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian forces have intensified their aerial warfare against Ukraine, unleashing more than 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and about 1,360 guided aerial bombs over the past week. The large-scale assaults have left cities across Ukraine battered, energy networks crippled, and dozens of civilians dead or wounded.
A Night of Terror — October 12
On the night of October 12, Russian troops launched a massive wave of 118 attack UAVs and a Kh-31 guided missile. Ukrainian Air Defense Forces managed to shoot down or suppress 113 drones, preventing even greater destruction. However, one missile and 15 UAVs struck 10 settlements, causing widespread damage.
As of 9:00 AM, the attacks were still ongoing, though no falling debris had been reported.
Strikes on Energy and Gas Infrastructure
Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy reported that Russia deliberately targeted energy and gas transportation facilities, inflicting serious damage on critical infrastructure in the Donetsk, Odesa, and Chernihiv Oblasts.
Entire regions were plunged into darkness — Donetsk Oblast lost power completely as a result of targeted strikes. Repair crews are already at work, but the timeline for restoring power remains uncertain.
Destruction in Kharkiv and Odesa
In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian UAVs struck Chuhuiv, heavily damaging an educational institution and nearby residential buildings. One woman was injured in the attack.
Meanwhile, in Odesa Oblast, UAV strikes on Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi damaged critical infrastructure, leaving parts of the city without electricity or water. Local officials expect partial restoration of water supply by 12:30 PM.
Kyiv and Chernihiv Under Attack
In Kyiv Oblast, Russian strikes hit energy infrastructure facilities. Two DTEK energy workers were injured after an attack on a substation in Boryspil District.
Further north, in Chernihiv, Russian drones caused five civilian injuries, including one in critical condition. The city endured two explosions and a seven-hour-long air raid alarm that paralyzed daily life.
Casualties Mount Across the Country
- In Kupiansk (Kharkiv Oblast), Russian shelling killed a 49-year-old woman and injured a 63-year-old man.
- Guided aerial bombs struck Nemyshlianskyi and Slobidskyi Districts of Kharkiv, injuring one more civilian.
- In Sumy District, a UAV attack on a private household injured a 50-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman who had arrived to feed their dogs.
- Kherson’s Korabelnyi District was also targeted, injuring two civilians; earlier in the day, three others were wounded in similar drone attacks.
- In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, enemy fire killed two people and left three injured, marking one of the deadliest strikes of the day.
Unbroken Resilience Amid Chaos
Despite the constant barrages, Ukrainian emergency services, utility workers, and defense forces continue to respond with extraordinary resilience.
President Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s determination to stand firm:
“Russia’s terror cannot break us. Every attack only strengthens our unity and resolve to defend our land.”
As the war grinds on, Ukraine endures yet another week of devastation — but also of unyielding courage.
BY: The Times Union
