On February 13, 2023, Russian forces launched devastating strikes on energy infrastructure facilities in Odesa, Ukraine, resulting in extremely serious damage according to DTEK, the largest private energy company in the country. The attacks, which reportedly utilized drones, not only targeted energy facilities but also led to casualties, with one person killed during the strikes on a port in the Odesa Oblast during the night of February 12-13. The extent of the destruction indicates a severe impact on the region’s energy supply chain.

In response to the attacks, DTEK announced that repairs to the damaged equipment will take considerable time before services can be fully restored. Meanwhile, the company’s employees are actively engaged in clearing the rubble to assess the situation and begin the recovery process. The strikes have also affected other regions in the area, including the city of Kherson, which was reported to be left without power early on February 13, adding further strain on local infrastructure already weakened by ongoing conflict.

These developments underscore the ongoing threats posed by military actions to critical infrastructure in Ukraine, particularly in regions like Odesa that are vital for maintaining energy security. The damage inflicted by these attacks not only affects immediate humanitarian conditions but also highlights the broader implications for Ukraine’s energy resilience during the protracted conflict with Russia.