During a conference call on the situation in the regions following the latest Russian strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that 28 substations and other critical energy facilities were damaged as a result of the attacks. According to him, restoration work is underway in all affected regions, and electricity supply is gradually being returned to consumers. The statement by the head of state, transmitted via his Telegram channel, was commented on by the RBC-Ukraine publication.
Scale of Damage to Energy Infrastructure
As recalled in the report, on October 18 and into the night of October 19, Russian forces launched a series of strikes against Ukraine, targeting energy facilities as their main objective. As a result, emergency power outages were recorded in 11 regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa oblasts. Zelenskyy confirmed that by the morning of October 19, 28 substations and a number of other energy infrastructure facilities were in the affected zone, emphasizing that repairs are proceeding simultaneously in all directions.
Preparing Infrastructure for the Heating Season
At the same conference call, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi reported on the progress of preparing infrastructure for the heating season. Based on the report, key focus areas were identified to ensure uninterrupted heat supply amid ongoing attacks on energy facilities. The issue of winter preparation in the context of substation damage has been prioritized for relevant government agencies.
Air Defense Tasks and Contacts with Partners
The Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the President were given urgent tasks regarding contacts with partners who can strengthen Ukraine's air defense system. Zelenskyy noted that there are political agreements that have not yet been fulfilled at the working level, as well as delays in certain types of vital supplies at the level of the war ministry in the United States. He announced that an additional meeting would be held that same evening to review all the day's contacts, expressing hope for concrete results.
Strike on Kyiv and Suspension of Metro Station
Among the consequences of the October 18–19 strikes was a missile attack on Kyiv. One of the missiles landed near the Chernihivska metro station, leading to the suspension of the station's operation for an indefinite period. This incident added to the overall list of damages reported during the conference call and served as another argument for accelerating the delivery of air defense systems and restoring damaged infrastructure.
