Russia’s Attacks Target Ukraine’s Civilians

Kyiv, Ukraine —(Map)

Russia is targeting systems that supply Ukraine’s electricity, heating, and water. The attacks will make the coming winter extremely hard for civilians in Ukraine. Some people say Russia is guilty of war crimes for targeting civilians instead of soldiers.

When Russia invaded Ukraine nine months ago, many people expected Ukraine to be quickly crushed by Russia, with its powerful army and weapons. But Ukrainian forces have surprised Russia. Ukraine has pushed Russian soldiers back, taking back large areas of land that Russia had captured. Recently, Ukraine has gotten better weapons from Western countries, and it has made even more progress.

Russia is targeting systems that supply Ukraine’s electricity, heating, and water. Some people say Russia is guilty of war crimes for targeting civilians instead of soldiers. Above, a person walks down a snowy street during a blackout in Kyiv after an attack last Wednesday.

As Russia has struggled in its efforts against Ukrainian forces, it has focused more and more on punishing Ukraine in other ways. Currently, Russia seems to be focusing its attacks on Ukraine’s civilians, instead of its soldiers.

It’s against international law to target civilian infrastructure. But that seems to be what Russia is doing. For months, Russia has been aiming its missiles at Ukraine’s systems that supply energy and water. Many of these attacks have taken place far from the front lines, where the fighting between soldiers is happening.

It’s against international law to target civilian infrastructure. But that seems to be what Russia is doing. For months, Russia has been aiming its missiles at Ukraine’s systems that supply energy and water. Above, people in Kyiv line up at a water pump after an attack last Wednesday.

Many outside countries have criticized Russia for its attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure. French President Emmanuel Macron called Russia’s attacks “war crimes”. Last Wednesday, the European Parliament named Russia as a country that supported terrorism because of its attacks. Just hours after the vote, the European Parliament’s website was taken offline by a cyberattack.

Russia says that Ukraine’s infrastructure is a fair target because Ukraine’s military also uses these systems. They say having electricity allows Ukraine’s army leaders to communicate and plan.

But Russia’s attacks have also hit apartment buildings, schools, and playgrounds. Ukrainian medical buildings have been hit nearly 700 times. Since the war started, more than 10,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed or injured by Russia’s actions.

In one attack last Wednesday, Russia hammered Ukrainian cities with at least 70 missiles. The attack took out electricity and water supplies for most of the capital, Kyiv. Some people were left trying to collect rain water in plastic bottles. Doctors in Kyiv’s hospitals had to use flashlights to perform surgery in the dark.

Ukraine says nearly 50% of its energy system has been damaged. But after each Russian attack, Ukraine has worked hard to restore service as quickly as possible.

Ukraine says nearly 50% of its energy system has been damaged. But after each Russian attack, Ukraine has worked hard to restore service as quickly as possible. Above, workers repairing a power station damaged in October.

On Sunday, the company that runs Ukraine’s electrical system said it was providing roughly 80% of the electricity the country needed. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky says there are limits on electricity use in over half the country. These limits affect over 1.4 million people.

Russia is hoping to use the coming cold winter as a weapon against Ukraine. Ukraine has long, cold, snow-filled winters. Surviving may be difficult with limited energy and heating.

The European Union and the United States have sent powerful generators to Ukraine. They have also sent equipment to help the country repair its electrical system. But it will be impossible to completely make up for all the damage Russia has caused. And that damage is likely to continue.