On the night of 3 February, on the eve of a new round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi, Russia launched a massive drone and missile strike on Kharkiv, deliberately targeting the city’s energy infrastructure.
This was reported by Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov on social media. According to him, the shelling lasted more than three hours, and the aim of the attacks was to cause maximum damage to the energy system and leave the city without heat in severe frost.
Terekhov noted that due to the unprecedented attack, difficult but necessary decisions are being made. In particular, in order to prevent the heating network from freezing, the city will have to drain the heat carrier in the system of 820 buildings that receive heat from one of the largest combined heat and power plants.
The mayor stressed that experts currently see no other option, despite the fact that the decision is being made in conditions of nearly 20 degrees below zero. In connection with the situation in Kharkiv, all 101 Nezlamnist points will operate around the clock, where residents can warm up, drink hot beverages, and charge their mobile devices. If necessary, additional heating points will be quickly deployed in the city.
There may also be disruptions to the city’s electric transport. To ensure uninterrupted traffic in the city, additional bus routes are being launched.
Terekhov stressed that the night and morning are extremely difficult for Kharkiv, but the city continues to function, all services are in place, and decisions are being made promptly. According to him, the situation remains under control.
The temperature in Kharkiv is currently -21 degrees Celsius.