As a result of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, heating and power could be lost, according to the governor of Donetsk.
The governor of the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk has stated that Russian strikes on the country’s electricity grid pose a risk of death by hypothermia this winter.
Pavlo Kyrylenko stated that the Ukrainian government is doing all possible to give firewood and stoves to citizens still residing in frontline towns and villages in his province despite the absence of electricity, gas, and running water.
However, he stated that the severity of the Russian bombardment makes it extremely impossible to repair vital infrastructure, resulting in “the worst and most terrible times” for the population.
Even in locations where there is fighting, special hubs known as “points of invincibility” that supply electricity and warmth are being made available.
“However, the enemy is aware of this… In addition, the enemy is firing and launching missiles directly at these hot spots “Mr. Kyrylenko remarked in the city of Kramatorsk.
When asked if he was concerned that people may die of hypothermia this winter due to the cold, the governor responded, “There is a chance that people may die of hypothermia because there is no heating.”
However, the most imminent danger comes from Russian artillery and rockets.
Russian soldiers are currently attempting to break through Ukrainian lines near the town of Bakhmut in the governor’s region, where the war’s toughest combat is currently taking place.
He stated that they will fail.
After suffering defeats in the provinces of Kharkiv to the northeast and Kherson to the south, Russian mercenaries and troops are focusing their firepower on Bakhmut.
“There is a big concentration of troops, equipment, and all forms of weapons, including aircraft, helicopters, and small arms,” he explained.
Why the struggle for Bakhmut is significant
Defense Intelligence, the intelligence arm of the UK Ministry of Defence, stated in an early December tweet that Bakhmut had been Russia’s primary “offensive effort” since August, despite the town’s seizure having “little military significance.
It stated that the campaign had been “disproportionately expensive” and that there was a “realistic chance” that taking the town had become a “symbolic, political target for Russia.”
However, Ukraine devotes significant resources to its defense.
Mr. Kyrylenko underlined the significance of preventing Russia from taking Bakhmut.
He stated that the first objective was to deny the Kremlin the propaganda victory of declaring a victory after so many failures.
Second, it was crucial to prevent Russian forces from moving before winter temperatures dropped significantly below freezing.
“Thirdly, the strategic seizure of Bakhmut would allow the enemy to march in the direction of Kostyantynivka and Druzhkivka and into the region’s north-central region,” the governor explained.
He stated that Ukrainian forces will “do all possible” to prevent this from occurring.
