Ukraine air strike causes power outage for 100,000 people

• Russian attack on a power facility in Ukraine left 100,000 people without power in northeastern Sumy.
• Russia continues to target energy facilities across Ukraine, causing extended blackouts.
• Poland has been diverting surplus electricity to Ukraine to manage Russian strikes.

A Russian attack on a power facility in Ukraine has resulted in 100,000 people being left without power in the northeastern region of Sumy. National grid operator Ukrenergo stated that work is underway to restore power following the strikes, which necessitated emergency shut-offs for consumers in Sumy City and the surrounding region bordering Russia.

Reuters reported no casualties or damage were reported apart from the energy facility.

Russia continues to target energy facilities across Ukraine, frequently causing extended blackouts that leave people enduring sweltering summer conditions without running water, air conditioning, or access to life-saving medical equipment.

Over the past three months alone, Ukraine has lost nine gigawatts of generating capacity, according to the national energy company Ukrenergo. It has lost all of its thermal power plants to enemy action and has seen all hydroelectric sites damaged by drones or missile strikes.

According to the national grid operator, this amount of lost generating capacity is sufficient to power the entire Netherlands during peak consumption hours and represents more than a third of Ukraine's capacity before Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Poland has been diverting surplus electricity to Ukraine to assist it in managing the Russian strikes. However, Ukrenergo has scheduled electricity cut-offs throughout the day across the country because domestic generation and imports couldn't cover the deficit.

Maria Tsaturian from Ukrenergo, speaking to the BBC, acknowledged that her company is receiving significant criticism for frequently and extensively cutting electricity to many customers. She emphasized that there are no other viable options available.

"We are at war. The energy sector is one of the goals of the Russian terrorists. And it is obvious why: all our life, all our civilization, is built on electricity,” she says.

“This is the price we pay for freedom."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian air defenses reported on Telegram that they shot down 24 out of 27 Shahed kamikaze drones launched by Russia on the night of 5-6 July. The drones were intercepted over areas, including the Sumy region, using electronic jamming and anti-air defenses.

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