Russian Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure Threaten Displacement of 500,000 People Ahead of Winter
The aftermath of a missile strike in the Kyiv region in July 2024.
Date: September 19, 2024
Source: UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine
As the biting chill of winter approaches, the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine deepens. Repeated Russian attacks on the nation's energy infrastructure have alarmingly pushed the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission to forecast the displacement of an additional 500,000 people. The ongoing assaults have devastated power plants, leaving millions without essential services.
A recent report highlights that significant destruction has been wrought on Ukraine’s power grid, with a notable coordinated attack on August 26, described as one of the largest since the onset of the full-scale invasion. This strike involved over 100 missiles and drones targeting energy and critical infrastructure, resulting in nationwide power outages as authorities scrambled to stabilize the grid.
Since March 2024, there have been nine waves of large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s electric power system, severely damaging or destroying numerous generation and distribution facilities. This disruption has far-reaching effects, impacting access to electricity, clean water, and heating, while also driving consumer prices skyward. Estimates suggest that over 3.7 million people are now at risk of consuming contaminated drinking water due to these attacks, particularly endangering vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions.
The attacks have not spared any region, with strikes recorded in 20 of the 24 regions under Ukrainian control, including the capital, Kyiv. The UN report indicates that since the onset of the invasion, 36 strikes have targeted power plants across nine regions and over 100 attacks have occurred on electricity distribution facilities in 17 regions. Many facilities have suffered repeated hits, some leading to total destruction, with restoration expected to take years.
The UNHCR reports that more than 6.7 million Ukrainians have fled the country since the invasion, with many citing lack of access to basic utilities as a driving factor. In June, departures increased sharply, with nearly half of those interviewed at the border indicating they were leaving due to energy shortages. While many plan to return eventually, the uncertainty looms large.
The impact on education has been equally devastating, with UNICEF estimating that power outages have led to the loss of between 78 and 311 million hours of classroom time each month. The National Bank of Ukraine has projected a 0.6% contraction in the economy as a result of the energy crisis, with electricity prices surging by more than two-thirds.
The report underscores that the extensive and precise targeting of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure raises serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law. As the conflict escalates and winter approaches, the plight of Ukrainians becomes more urgent.
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