Three employees of Slovyans'k thermal power plant killed in Russian attack
Three employees of the Sloviansk Thermal Power Plant were killed in a Russian drone attack while on their way to work.
In a tragic incident, three workers from the Sloviansk Thermal Power Plant lost their lives due to a drone attack attributed to Russian forces. The attack occurred in the early hours of 17 February, highlighting the ongoing threat to civilian infrastructure amid the conflict. Artem Nekrasov, Ukraine's First Deputy Minister of Energy, confirmed the incident during a press briefing, emphasizing the human cost associated with ensuring energy supply during wartime. The attack on the Sloviansk thermal facility is particularly significant as it underscores the persistent assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which have escalated following intensified military operations. The government has been vocal about the severe impact of these attacks, which not only endanger lives but also disrupt essential services that residents rely on for heating and lighting, especially in the cold winter months. Furthermore, this episode occurred shortly after another Russian strike on energy infrastructure in Odesa, raising concerns over the scale and frequency of such attacks. The DTEK energy company noted that the damages in Odesa were extensive, indicating that repairs would take a considerable amount of time. This situation poses serious implications for energy supply and stability across the region, as the conflict prompted a greater need to strengthen the resilience of energy systems against ongoing military threats.