Blackout in Kharkiv, shelling of Zaporizhzhia, damaged infrastructure: Consequences of Russian attack

Largest attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructere recently

According to Ukrainian Minister of Energy, Herman Halushchenko, adversaries have carried out the most extensive attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent times.

"The goal is not just to cause damage, but to attempt once again, as was done last year, to induce a massive disruption in the country's energy system. Unfortunately, there have been hits and damages to generation facilities, transmission, and distribution systems in various regions," he said.

Currently, according to him, there are power outages in some regions.

"Energy workers are already working on restoring electricity supply. We are doing everything we can to get power back to people as quickly as possible," the minister concluded.

Kharkiv: 15 strikes and power collapse

Occupiers carried out over 15 strikes on energy facilities in Kharkiv. Most of the city is left without power.

"All emergency services are already operational," said Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Regional Military Administration.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov noted that due to power outages at pumping stations, the city is experiencing water supply problems.

"In addition, electric transport will not operate in the morning - transportation will be provided by buses according to blackout scheme," he added.

Furthermore, emergency lines 101 and 112 are currently not operational in the city.

"Due to this, I ask everyone to contact us at 1562," Terekhov concluded.

Moreover, due to the massive missile attack on the city, the metro is currently only operating as a shelter.

At 8:39 AM, the head of the Regional Military Administration (RMA) specified that between 4:52 AM and 5:30 AM, there was a mixed missile attack on energy infrastructure objects in the Kharkiv region.

"Over 15 missiles, including S-300/Kh-22, were launched. Kharkiv is temporarily left without power. All relevant services are working, repairs are underway, and the situation is under control. All resilience points are open, so people can reach out to them if needed," he said.

Dnipro: Power outages in some areas, residents advised to stock up on water

In Dnipro, power is out in some districts due to missile strikes.

"Electricity is unavailable in certain areas of Dnipro," as reported by suspilne.media.

Dnipro also faces water supply issues. Residents are urged to stock up on water.

"Due to insufficient power supply, there may be water supply issues in the mountainous part of the city. The municipal water utility will resolve the situation by 9:00 PM. Please, stock up on water, but there's no need to fill up your entire bathtubs," emphasized Mayor Borys Filatov.

Kryvyi Rih: Emergency power outage schedules, no casualties reported

Occupiers launched a combined missile and Shahed drone attack on Kryvyi Rih in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

"There are hits on critical infrastructure objects. The city has implemented emergency power outage schedules. Hospitals and other infrastructure facilities have switched to generators. The most important thing is that there's no casualties or injuries," said Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council.

Kamyanske: Most of the city without power, schools switch to online mode

A similar situation is unfolding in Kamyanske, Dnipropetrovsk region. Due to enemy attack, most of the city is without power.

"Currently, water and heating facilities are disconnected. Tram traffic is suspended, so I ask enterprise leaders to understand possible delays of workers," said Mayor Andrii Bilousov.

Today, March 22, general secondary education institutions in the city are operating remotely.

"Preschool education institutions operate until 12:00," added the city's leader.

Zaporizhzhia and region: 12 strikes, casualties, chance of blackout at Zaporizhzhia NPP

Zaporizhzhia was also targeted by Russian mass attacks. The enemy launched 12 rocket strikes on the city.

"A mass rocket attack on Zaporizhzhia. The Russians launched 12 rocket strikes. Preliminarily, 7 buildings are destroyed, 35 are damaged. There are casualties, the number of which is being clarified," said Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration.

At 9:16 AM, Fedorov disclosed that following the bombardment of Zaporizhzhia, during which the city endured a total of 20 missile strikes, one fatality and 8 injuries have been confirmed.

"In just a few hours, the enemy launched nearly 20 missiles at Zaporizhzhia. They targeted critical infrastructure, hitting exclusively civilian objects. We now know of one fatality and eight wounded," said the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration. He added that ten private houses and over 35 multi-story buildings have been severely damaged.

Consequences of the shelling of Zaporizhzhia on March 22 (t.me/ivan_fedorov_zp)

As of 9:25 AM, at least 3 individuals are considered missing in Zaporizhzhia.

"There are 6 injured individuals in Zaporizhzhia, with 3 persons currently considered missing at the strike sites. Information regarding casualties will be promptly updated," said the Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko.

By 10:00 AM, as a result of the strike on Zaporizhzhia, 10 people have been injured, with another 3 considered missing.

"Emergency responders are conducting search and rescue operations at one of the impact sites in the residential area of the regional center," reported the State Emergency Service of the Zaporizhzhia region.

Dnipro HPP hit and on fire

Ukrhydroenergo reported that Russians targeted the Dnipro HPP (hydroelectric power plant).

"Unfortunately, there has been an incident at Ukraine's largest hydroelectric power plant - Dnipro HPP in Zaporizhzhia. The perpetrators, having already wreaked havoc at Kakhovka HPP, are now attempting to create a new environmental disaster by callously striking at the hydrostructures of Dnipro HPP and the dam. Currently, a fire is raging at the station," the report said as of 8:00 AM.

Emergency services and power workers are on-site.

"There is no threat of breach. The situation at the station's dam is under control," the company stated.

Currently, traffic through the Dnipro HPP dam is completely restricted.

"Traffic is being diverted via the Arkovyi Bridge on Khortytsia Island (Serhii Tiulenin Street - Sich Street - Tahanska Street) and through the New Bridges and Khortytskyi District. Take this information into account when planning your route," Fedorov added.

Missile hits trolleybus at Dnipro HPP dam

A Russian missile struck a trolleybus traversing the dam.

"There were people in the trolleybus. Ordinary civilians commuting to work," said Petro Andryushchenko, an advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol.

A missile hits a trolleybus at the Dnipro HPP dam (t.me/andriyshTime)

As of 10:15 AM, there is damage to both stations and the dam at Dnipro HPP.

"Two missiles hit directly at Dnipro HPP-2. There's structural damage. Overhead crane beams are destroyed. Both stations are currently not operational. There are no casualties among Dnipro HPP employees," Ukrhydroenergo said.

Currently, the station is taking all measures to raise the gates and release water downstream of the Dnipro River.

As of 10:42 AM, one fatality has been confirmed as a result of the attack on DniproHES in Zaporizhzhia.

"There is currently one fatality confirmed due to the shelling of Dnipro HPP," writes the Prosecutor General's Office.

Consequences of the strikes on Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro HPP on March 22 (t.me/pgo_gov_ua)

Under the procedural guidance of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutor's Office, an investigation has been launched into the criminal proceedings regarding violations of laws and customs of war, coupled with deliberate homicide (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on the brink of blackout

Furthermore, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is currently on the brink of blackout.

"Today, March 22, 2024, during a massive missile attack on Ukraine at 5:10 AM, the external air line PL-750kV Dniprovska, connecting the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with the unified power system of Ukrainem was disconnected," reported Energoatom.

Sumy region: Outage schedules implemented in three districts

Due to missile strikes on Ukrainian energy system objects, emergency power outage schedules have been implemented temporarily in Sumy region.

According to the Sumy Regional Military Administration, this concerns three districts of the region - Sumy, Konotop, and Shostka districts.

"'Points of resistance' are operating for you to charge your phone, other gadgets, and use the internet. Energy workers are working on restoring power supply," the administration added.

Khmelnytskyi and region: Casualties and infrastructure damage

The enemy once again struck at Khmelnytskyi region. In Khmelnytskyi itself, there is damage to infrastructure objects, with casualties and injuries being reported.

"07:00 AM. End of the air raid siren. A terrible morning. We have damage to infrastructure objects. Damage to residential buildings. There are casualties and injuries among civilians," said Mayor of Khmelnytskyi Oleksandr Symchyshyn.

By 8:30 AM, Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration reported that one person had been killed and there were wounded as a result of the shelling. A search operation is underway.

"Unfortunately, we have casualties and 1 fatality. We are searching for people under the rubble," the statement said.

As of 9:25 AM, there were confirmed reports of 2 fatalities and at least 8 wounded in Khmelnytskyi.

"Video showcases the moment of rescuing a 21-year-old girl from under the rubble of a private house," said Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko.

Odesa region: Strikes on energy infrastructure, stabilization shutdowns

During the Russian Federation's attack, energy facilities in the Odessa region were also damaged. As a result, partial stabilization shutdowns are taking place in Odessa under the directive of Ukrenergo.

"At the moment, 53 thousand electricity subscribers are without power. We are maintaining calm. Specialists are carrying out restoration work," said Oleg Kiper, head of the Odessa Regional State Administration.

Vinnytsia region: Hybrid attack tactics and town of Ladyzhyn without power supply

To attack Vinnytsia, Russian occupiers utilized hybrid tactics involving UAVs and cruise missiles.

"There have been hits on critical infrastructure objects," said Serhii Borzov, head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration.

As of 8:33 AM, the city of Ladyzhyn in Vinnytsia region has been completely plunged into darkness.

"At the moment, electricity, heating, and water supply have been temporarily cut off. All services are engaged to restore everything as soon as possible," reported the Ladyzhyn City Territorial Community.

Resilience points in the city will operate around the clock, providing the opportunity to charge mobile devices, access the internet, and warm up. There's also drinking water and hot tea.

Lviv region: Fire and damaged infrastructure

During the Russian attack on Lviv region, an enemy UAV hit the energy infrastructure.

"During the air raid siren, enemy drones hit the energy infrastructure in the Stryi region. A fire broke out. Firefighters are currently extinguishing it. As of now (7:09 AM), no information about casualties has been received," said Maksym Kozytskyi, head of the Regional Military Administration.

According to him, a fire in a forest area in Zolochivskyi district has started.

"Presumably from the debris of a downed Shahed drone," the head of the Regional Military Administration said.

Ivano-Frankivsk region: Casualties and damaged critical infrastructure

Explosions were heard in Prykarpattia during the air raid. The region was attacked by drones and missiles.

"There are hits on critical infrastructure objects," said Svitlana Onyshchuk, head of the Regional Military Administration.

According to preliminary information, one person was injured.

"There is damage. But currently, no power outages have been recorded in the region," she added.

Poltava region: Power outages and air defense operations

Poltava region has come under Russian fire too. Fortunately, there have been no casualties or injuries.

"The roofs of three private houses in Myrhorod district have been damaged by debris. Mobile fire groups have conducted exercises on airborne targets in Kremenchuk district," said Philip Pronin, head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration.

He said that currently, over 104,000 residential consumers and 6,700 legal entities are without electricity in the region.

"These are essentially preventive outages to balance the operation of the energy system. Keep calm. Experts are carrying out restoration work," added the head of the administration.

Ternopil region: Falling debris and damaged homes

The attack by the Russian Federation on March 22 also affected the Ternopil region.

During an air raid alert in one of the populated areas in the Ternopil region, the falling debris of enemy objects landed on the territory of a private household.

"No one was injured. According to preliminary information, property was not damaged. Explosive technicians and law enforcement are working at the scene, analyzing material evidence of hostile crimes," the Regional Military Administration said.

Additionally, in another household, windows and doors of a private residential building were damaged by a blast wave overnight. No casualties are reported. Relevant services are working on-site.

Ukrainian Railways operations: Power outages and backup lines

As a result of overnight shelling, Ukrainian Railways reported several power outages, activated backup power supply schemes and locomotives, and all trains continue to operate.

"In particular, in Kharkiv junction, the movement of all trains, including high-speed Hyundai Rotem electric trains, will be carried out by locomotive traction," the company said.

The Kharkiv train station has been switched to backup power, and all systems are operational.

Zelenskyy's response

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to the massive Russian attack on Ukraine on March 22. According to him, there were over 60 Shahed drones and almost 90 missiles of various types launched at Ukraine during the night.

"The targets of Russian terrorists are crystal clear to the world: power plants and energy supply lines, hydroelectric dam, ordinary residential buildings, even trolleybuses. Russia is waging war against ordinary people's lives. My condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed by this terror," the president wrote on his Telegram channel.

He added that necessary services are already working in all cities affected by the attack, including rescuers, energy workers, regional and local authorities, police, municipal enterprises are helping people, and no one will be left without assistance.

"The restoration of electricity supply is ongoing. Kharkiv and the region, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy region, Poltava region, Dnipropetrovsk region, Odesa region, Khmelnytskyi and the region, Vinnytsia region, Ivano-Frankivsk region - restoration work has been ongoing everywhere it's needed since last night," Zelenskyy added.

The head of state emphasized that Russian missiles do not have delays, unlike the aid packages to Ukraine.

"Shahed drones have no hesitation, unlike some politicians. It is important to understand the cost of delays and deferred decisions. Patriot systems should protect Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, air defense is needed to protect people, infrastructure, houses, and dams. Partners know exactly what is needed. They can definitely aid in this. These decisions are needed. Life must be protected from these inhumans from Moscow," he concluded.

About the Russian attack

On the night of March 22, Russian occupiers launched a combined missile and air strike on critical infrastructure objects in Ukraine. The enemy used 151 missiles and drones. Invaders attacked from several directions - several regions of Russia, temporarily occupied Crimea, and Zaporizhzhia region. In particular:

• 63 strike UAVs of Shahed-136/131 type - launched from Primosko-Akhtarsk, RF;
• 12 Iskander-M ballistic missiles - launched from Belgorod region, RF, and Crimea;
• 40 cruise missiles Kh-101/Kh-555 - launched from 13 Tu-95MS strategic bombers from the Caspian Sea;
• 5 Kh-22 cruise missiles - launched from 5 Tu-22M3 bombers in Rostov region, RF;
• 7 aeroballistic missiles Kh-47M2 Kinzhal - launched from 10 MiG-31K in Tambov region, RF;
• 2 guided aviation missiles Kh-59 - launched from two Su-30 (Su-34) in temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia region;
• 22 guided anti-aircraft missiles S-300/S-400 - launched from Belgorod and Kursk regions in RF.

As noted by the Air Force of the Armed Forces, to repel missile and air strikes, air defense missile units of the Air Force and Ground Forces, mobile fire groups, electronic warfare means of the Defense Forces of Ukraine were involved.

As a result of the air battle, 92 aerial targets were destroyed:

• 55 strike UAVs of Shahed-136/131 type;
• 35 cruise missiles Kh-101/Kh-555;
• 2 guided aviation missiles Kh-59.

Russian missile attack on Ukraine on March 21

Russian troops also carried out a massive shelling of Ukraine overnight on March 21, using 31 missiles, two of which were ballistic, including Iskander (KN-23) and Kinzhal.

Despite all of them being successfully shot down, fragments of enemy targets fell in several districts of Kyiv, injuring 13 people as a result of the attack. There were also hits in two districts of Kyiv region, where two people were reported injured.