Odessa Under Siege: Residents Face Days Without Power,Water as Russian Attacks Intensify
Table of Contents
For the third consecutive day,the Odessa region has been under continuous assault,leaving residents reliant on dwindling resources and seeking refuge in “invincibility points” – emergency shelters providing basic necessities.
Escalating Attacks and Widespread Disruptions
the large-scale attacks on Odessa’s energy sector began Friday evening and have continued unabated through Sunday, with a constant stream of drones targeting infrastructure. “During thes days, the only people who haven’t flown into the city are aliens,” one resident wryly observed, reflecting the sense of siege gripping the region. As of Sunday, a meaningful portion of Odessa remained without electricity, water, and heating, though power is being gradually restored to some areas.
On Saturday morning, all substations in the city were rendered inoperable, leading to the temporary suspension of tram and trolleybus services. Oleg Kiper,Head of the Odessa Regional State Administration,reported overnight attacks using drones,resulting in damage to energy,transport,industrial,and civilian infrastructure. While no casualties were immediately reported, energy workers confirmed the complete destruction of substations surrounding the city, leaving settlements like Artsyz in a notably dire situation. Full restoration of power and utilities is expected to take weeks.
Life Without Essentials: Queues for Water and Charging Stations
The impact on daily life is profound. Residents are relying on water tankers and pump rooms to access water, and long lines are forming to charge mobile phones and power banks. “It’s more or less without light, but without water it’s completely unbearable,” explained a local resident, highlighting the critical need for basic resources. “People collect water and carry it home.” Journalist Zoya Kazanzhi reported that 16 pump rooms are operating, but a water shortage persists, necessitating the use of generators to replenish the city’s water supply.
The situation is particularly acute in Artsyz, where vital infrastructure restoration is estimated to take at least two weeks, with water and generators being transported from other cities. More than 400 “invincibility points” have been established across Odessa to provide charging facilities and a safe haven for residents.However, these points are reportedly overcrowded, with limited availability of outlets.
Resilience and Community Response
Despite the hardships,residents are demonstrating remarkable resilience.One resident, Elena, described how she and her neighbors are adapting. “There is no electricity,but today they started partially supplying water,and that’s already great,” she said. “Now we are going to my husband’s office, there is a generator there. Now all the people who work there are going there to recharge what they have. And then they will carry this electricity home.”
Local businesses are also stepping up to help. According to one account, some establishments have set up barbecues and coffee burners to provide food and beverages, while others are offering take-out meals. Despite the closure of most bathrooms, the community is finding ways to cope.
Broader Impact and Ukrainian Response
The energy crisis extends beyond odessa,with problems reported in Nikolaev,Kherson,Chernigov,Donetsk,Sumy,and Dnipro regions. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky condemned the attacks, stating that Russia is deliberately targeting civilians and has launched over 1,500 attack drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and 46 missiles in a single week.
The Ukrainian energy company DTEK has managed to restore power to almost 100,000 families and partially restore power to critical infrastructure. Though, the air Force continues to report incoming drones, indicating that the attacks are ongoing. Traffic lights are operating on battery power, but their longevity remains uncertain. Sergei Lysak, head of the Odessa city military administration, assured residents that food and fuel supplies are stable, and the banking system remains functional.
The ongoing attacks underscore the vulnerability of Ukraine’s infrastructure and the immense challenges facing its citizens as the conflict continues.
