The city of Konotop in Sumy Oblast has been left without electricity for five days following a Russian strike on an energy infrastructure facility. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky announced this on October 28 in his Telegram channel, commenting on the situation after a conversation with Konotop Mayor Artem Semenikhin. According to him, the city's critical infrastructure is currently running on backup power sources, and "points of invincibility" have been deployed in the settlement.
Fifth day in the dark
As specialized agencies clarify, some of the damaged energy facilities have suffered severe destruction, which significantly limited the possibilities of backup connection for consumers. Sumyoblenergo reported that connection and restoration works are ongoing continuously, but for security reasons, the company does not disclose the stages of renewal and details of the work, as such information could reveal the current state of the power system in this energy hub.
Reserves and "points of invincibility
In the complete absence of centralized electricity supply, the city's critical infrastructure has been switched to backup power sources. To meet the basic needs of residents, so-called "points of invincibility" have been deployed in Konotop — specially equipped places where people can warm up, charge devices, and receive assistance. It is precisely for the operation of these facilities, as well as generators, that the reserve of diesel fuel is intended, which, according to estimates, the city needs in significant volumes for stable functioning during the dark period.
Government instruction
The Prime Minister stated that he instructed the Ministry of Energy together with Ukrenergo to urgently look into the circumstances of the situation and restore electricity supply in the shortest possible time. In addition, he noted that the government will provide Konotop with the necessary reserve of diesel fuel for alternative power sources on the very day of the announcement. According to the head of government, the fuel is critically important for the stable operation of the city boiler house and water utility — that is, for heating and water supply under disconnected networks.
Restoration timeframe
Ukrenergo reported that power engineers are continuing emergency restoration work and expect to return electricity to all consumers by the end of the day. At the same time, the company warned that at the first stage, due to network limitations, voltage supply will be carried out alternately. Thus, full and stable restoration of supply may take additional time after the initial connection.
Context: waves of attacks on energy
Problems with electricity supply in Sumy Oblast are recorded not for the first time: in October, as a result of massive waves of attacks, part of the region was left without power, and energy engineers in emergency mode eliminated the consequences of network damage. Sumyoblenergo specialists previously also noted the difficult situation in the region against the background of Russia's ongoing armed aggression. The situation in Konotop has become one of the longest and most large-scale blackouts in Sumy Oblast for the current period.
