DONETSK:Two key thermal power plants in the Russian-controlled Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) were damaged in an “unprecedented attack” by the Ukrainian armed forces, leading to widespread power outages and a halt in essential services, according to DPR Head Denis Pushilin.
The attacks targeted the Zuyevskaya and Starobeshevskaya thermal power plants. Mr. Pushilin reported the damage via his Telegram channel.
“As a result of an unprecedented attack on the republic’s power grid, the Zuyevskaya and Starobeshevskaya thermal power plants were damaged,” Pushilin wrote.
The damage has caused significant disruption to civilian infrastructure across the region. As a direct consequence of the power loss: Many populated areas are without power. Boiler houses have shut down, impacting heating supply. Filtration stations are also non-operational, affecting water supply.
Both the Zuyevskaya (located near Zuhres) and Starobeshevskaya (located near Novyi Svit) power plants are critical components of the region’s energy infrastructure and are situated in Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia. Ukraine has reportedly intensified strikes against military and industrial facilities in Russian-occupied territories in recent months, often using domestically developed drones.
Emergency crews are reportedly working to assess the full extent of the damage and restore power and essential services to the affected areas.