Ukrainians could face months of rolling blackouts this winter amid Russian strikes on power grid
PBS NewsHourDec 24, 2022
Day 272 Roundup: Ukraine Evacuates Kherson and Mykolaiv Residents
Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]
The Facts
Ukrainian officials have begun evacuating residents of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv, fearing that the loss of water, heat and power caused by Russian strikes will make conditions unlivable amid the winter. Deputy PM Iryna Vereshchuk said accommodation, transport and medicine would be provided, with priority given to women with children, along with the sick and the elderly.
Sergey Kovalenko, CEO of DTEK Yasno, one of Ukraine's principal energy providers, warned Ukrainians to brace for rolling blackouts until March 2023. "Although there are fewer blackouts now, I want everyone to understand: Most likely, Ukrainians will have to live with blackouts until at least the end of March," he said.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia's deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure is unnecessarily increasing the suffering of civilians and amounts to war crimes. This continuing Russian barbarity must be confronted.
Pro-Russia narrative
Attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are a direct consequence of the failure of the country's leadership to meaningfully engage in peace talks. These strikes will stop once a more sober position on the current military situation is reached.