UKRAINE, May 9 — Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has damaged or destroyed 660 power supply facilities in the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, Kharkiv Oblast Governor, said during a meeting of the second International Summit of Cities and Regions.

He noted that in addition to the rebuilding of power-generating companies, decentralization of the power system is the solution to the problem with electricity supply in the Kharkiv region.

“We are constantly negotiating with foreign partners, and we need new equipment now, as there is not much time left before the next heating season. More than $4.7 million is needed to restore one of the destroyed facilities,” Syniehubov said.

Currently, the Kharkiv region needs about 60 modular solid fuel boilers, more than 70 gas boilers, and 70 cogeneration units.

Russians shell the Kharkiv Oblast daily: it borders Russia and is close to the frontline. Russian troops strike the towns and villages of the region with S-300 missiles, Iranian-made Shahed drones, or guided bombs, which they have been using more actively since the end of March. 

In March 2024, Russian attacks on Kharkiv effectively destroyed all power and heating infrastructure supplying the city and Kharkiv Oblast. The region is currently supplied with electricity from other Ukrainian regions.

In particular, the Russian missile attack on energy infrastructure on March 22 severely damaged Kharkiv’s Thermal Power Plant-5. It may take several years to rebuild and restore it. 

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