Two thermal power plants in Donetsk, Zuyevskaya and Starobesheve, were reportedly damaged following a nighttime strike by Ukrainian forces, local authorities announced.

Denis Pushilin, the Russia-appointed head of Donetsk, stated via Telegram that the boiler houses and water filtration systems of both plants were put out of service. He added that many settlements in the region experienced widespread electricity outages as a result.

Emergency crews are actively working to restore power supply and repair critical infrastructure, according to Pushilin. The attacks, reportedly carried out using drones, have disrupted energy provision in several populated areas.

While Ukrainian authorities have not independently confirmed the strikes, the local administration in Donetsk has highlighted the damage and ongoing challenges in energy restoration.

The incident underscores the ongoing intensity of hostilities in eastern Ukraine and highlights the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure in conflict zones. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency responses to minimize the impact on residents. (ILKHA)