The Kherson thermal power plant (CHP), part of the 'Naftogaz' Group and the city's main source of heat supply, sustained serious damage as a result of an attack by Russian forces. According to RBC-Ukraine, citing 'Naftogaz', the facility was hit by a guided aerial bomb (KAB). In photos taken after the strike, open fires are visible in the damaged plant body, with thick black smoke rising over the industrial zone. The plant is an exclusively civilian facility whose primary purpose is to supply heat to the residents of Kherson.
Nature of the Strike and Consequences
According to reports, Russian military forces used a guided aerial bomb against the Kherson CHP, causing serious damage to the city's main heat source. The exact scale of the damage has not been officially specified at the time of publication: 'Naftogaz' emphasized that it can only be assessed once the security situation permits. Nevertheless, the fact of serious damage has been confirmed, and visual evidence records fires and the collapse of structures in the central part of the plant.
Comment from 'Naftogaz' Leadership
Serhiy Fedorenko, Acting Chairman of the Board of the State Concern 'Naftogaz of Ukraine', commented on the incident, noting: 'The scale of the damage can be assessed as soon as the security situation allows. We are coordinating further actions with local authorities.' Thus, the company confirmed that the plant sustained damage and stated that it is working with city authorities to coordinate the next steps for restoration and ensuring the population's lifeline.
Status of the Facility and Systematic Nature of the Attacks
The Kherson CHP of the 'Naftogaz' Group is an exclusively civilian facility, whose primary purpose is to supply heat to the city's residents. According to available data, during 2026 the plant has been subjected to dozens of Russian attacks. It is noted that Russian forces are systematically striking the Kherson CHP using drones and artillery, and the current episode involving a KAB is another manifestation of this systematic campaign against the city's energy infrastructure.
Impact on the Residents of Kherson
The criticality of the incident for the civilian population is due to the fact that the Kherson CHP is the sole source of heat supply for tens of thousands of the city's residents. Any serious damage to the plant directly affects the provision of heat in residential homes and social facilities. Until the exact extent of the damage is assessed due to security restrictions, the potential impact on heat supply remains a key risk for the residents of Kherson in the upcoming heating season.
