In the heart of Kharkiv, the sound of generators echoes through every street.
Just ten days ago, Ukraine’s second-largest city was hit hard when Russian missiles targeted its energy system, plunging it into darkness. This was the largest attack of its kind since the war began.
As Kharkiv struggles to get the power back on, more strikes have hit energy supplies across the country. President Zelensky has strongly criticized these attacks, calling them “missile terror.“
He’s also asking Ukraine’s allies for more air defense systems to help protect against future threats.
In Odesa, a coastal city in the south, authorities reported overnight strikes on the energy system by missiles and drones, resulting in partial blackouts. Meanwhile, in Kharkiv to the north, the situation is more severe.
Mayor Igor Terekhov has warned that restoring full power in Kharkiv could take weeks, especially if there are further strikes by Russian forces. The initial attack even disabled the city’s air raid sirens, which are now replaced by screeching alerts sent directly to people’s mobile phones.
Residents endure hours of missile warnings each day, with one strike on Saturday night causing a blast wave that shattered windows in a residential building.Recently, the Russians have been targeting the power grid more frequently.
“The situation is dire,” Mr. Terekhov informed the US Global News. “Repairing the damage will take considerable time,” he continued, indicating it could be a couple more months at the least.
Russia’s defense ministry has acknowledged targeting Ukraine’s power supply in its recent strikes. They claim their goal is to hamper the country’s defense industry, asserting that they’ve successfully achieved their objectives.
The ministry is known for spreading false information.
However, the Kharkiv mayor did mention to the US Global News that the city’s manufacturing sector, which heavily relies on power, has been hit by the blackouts. Unfortunately, there are no additional details available at the moment.
Periods of power outage
The effects on everyday life are becoming increasingly apparent.
To save energy, blackout periods have been implemented with a specific schedule for the city. Initially, on Saturday, these power cuts lasted for six hours, but they were shortened to four hours by Sunday.
However, the scheduled timings can sometimes change unexpectedly.
“My friend messaged me saying they were supposed to cut the power to my area at 09:00, so I woke up extra early to charge everything,” a friend shared. “But when I got in the lift, it got stuck. They’d cut the power early!”
In a Kharkiv back street, a hair salon is among the many small businesses relying on a noisy generator outside their door. On Saturday, it ran for seven hours, allowing the salon to stay open.
The same situation applies to cafes and companies across the city center. Many have put up sheets of wood over their windows either because the glass has been shattered or to protect it from potential future blasts.
Interestingly, some of these boards are decorated with paintings of birds and flowers.
“We’ve been relying on generator power since Monday,” salon owner Natalia shared with US Global News. “It’s been really tough, especially because we’re all women, and when we finish work late at night, it’s pitch dark outside!”
Russia has targeted Ukraine’s power grid before, notably during the first winter of the full-scale war.
Back then, as engineers hurried to make emergency repairs, residents either endured cold, dark homes or sought refuge in central “invincibility points” for warmth and electricity.
Wishing For a ‘Peaceful Evening’
The weather may be warmer now, but the impact of the ongoing situation is still deeply felt. As night descends, large parts of Kharkiv are enveloped in darkness, affecting people’s mood as well as their daily lives.
In the city’s central squares, conversations buzz with concerns about new weapons in Russia’s arsenal and the potential for even more devastation in Ukraine.
Many residents are feeling disheartened and considering leaving Kharkiv temporarily, as they witness the challenges faced by their own army.
Despite the hardships, city authorities are working tirelessly to maintain morale. After the latest missile strike, cleanup crews swiftly cleared debris and repaired damaged buildings. Public transportation is being adapted to ensure continued service, with buses replacing electric trolleybuses and trams.
In Odesa, power outages affected some areas temporarily, but services were quickly restored, with residents adapting to limited lighting to conserve energy.
Although challenges persist, people are trying to carry on with their lives as best they can. Consumption restrictions have been lifted across the country, signaling a return to some semblance of normalcy.
When asked about her concerns regarding the recent attacks, salon owner Natalia responded with a touch of humor, echoing Kharkiv’s resilient spirit. “We are invincible,” she quipped, before wishing for a “quiet night,” free from explosions – a rare occurrence in Kharkiv nowadays.
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