A dark Christmas looms in Odesa region after Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, ports and bridges
The Odesa region is facing massive power outages and freezing temperatures just days before Christmas after Russian attacks severely damaged energy, port and transport infrastructure in southern Ukraine.
Russia hit several critical targets in the Odesa region/FOTO:X
On Monday evening, Russian forces attacked the city of Odessa with Shahed drones, announced the head of the regional military administration, Oleh Kiper. According to him, the port infrastructure and a civilian ship were damaged. No casualties were reported.
“Relevant services are working to eliminate the consequences of the attack”said Kiper.
The attacks come after a major bombardment carried out on the night of December 22, when Russia hit several critical targets in the region, including three energy facilities. Authorities say more than 120,000 customers are without power.
Energy infrastructure, under constant pressure
Energy company DTEK, Ukraine's largest private operator, confirmed that two of its facilities were damaged and a third, belonging to another company, was completely destroyed. Repeated air alarms delayed the interventions of repair teams.
Although blackouts have become common in Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, extended outages continue to affect daily life.
“I'm pretty prepared for power outages, but this time it took me by surprise”said Anastasia Krupa, a 28-year-old resident of Odessa. She says the lack of electricity has made basic activities impossible, from cooking to using the elevator in her block of flats.
“I'm young and I can handle it, but I can't imagine how children or the elderly cope,” she added.
Ports and transport routes, increasingly vulnerable
The December 22 attack also affected the port of Pivdennîi, where a fire destroyed about 30 containers of flour and vegetable oil, according to Community and Territorial Development Minister Oleksii Kuleba.
Ports in the Odesa region, crucial for Ukraine's exports, have become frequent targets. In parallel, Russian forces have intensified attacks on the bridges that connect the region to the rest of the country.
A bridge in the village of Maiaki, about 50 kilometers west of Odesa, was hit more than ten times between December 18 and 19, causing major traffic disruptions. The authorities had to establish alternative routes, including through the Republic of Moldova.
In the wake of the attacks, the state railway company Ukrzaliznîtia resumed the Odesa-Chisinau link for the first time since 2022. Demand has risen, but students and commuters say waiting times at the border are already reaching 15 hours.
“This is the last bridge that connects the region to Odesa, after the bridge in Zatoka was destroyed at the beginning of the invasion”said Nataliia Šuliakova, a 21-year-old student.
She added that for now, supplies are being made through temporary crossings and truck convoys, while attacks on the area continue almost every night.
