Russian strike on Zhytomyr energy facility hits power and water supply in Kyiv

Russian forces attacked an energy infrastructure facility in the Zhytomyr hromada, in northwestern Ukraine, on 6 November. The effects were felt in Kyiv, where the electricity situation deteriorated and pressure in the city's water supply system fell. The strike comes as the heating season begins and Ukraine's energy system remains under strain.

Vitalii Bunechko, head of the Zhytomyr Oblast Military Administration, confirmed the attack. He said repair crews were working at the site to assess how badly the equipment had been damaged and what measures are needed to restore the power supply.

Impact on Kyiv

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the damage in Zhytomyr Oblast had caused problems with both electricity and water in the capital. According to him, harm to the energy facility worsened the city's power supply and lowered pressure in the water network. Kyivvodokanal, the city's water utility, is switching to generators at those stations where that is possible.

Earlier context

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes Kyiv is in the worst position of any Ukrainian region when it comes to electricity supply. On the evening of 6 November, Klitschko responded to Zelenskyy's criticism that the capital is not sufficiently prepared for the heating season.

The source does not say how long repairs may take, nor does it give figures on how many consumers lost power.