Russian drones attack energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region

On Monday night, the air defense was activated in Ukraine's southern Odesa region to repel the Russian drone attacks from the Black Sea. 

Energy facilities were damaged due to the strikes, Rubryka reports, referring to Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa Regional State Administration, and the Southern Defense Forces.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the movement of strike drones was detected in the Black Sea waters on Sunday evening.

"Several groups of enemy strike drones in the Black Sea waters, moving northwestward (towards Odesa)," the statement said.

Rocket danger was also announced in Odesa.

"Military action is taking place in Odesa. Remember, this can also be dangerous. Interesting footage of air defense operations is not worth risking your life for," the Southern Defense Forces reported.

Around midnight, the Russians launched the Shahed drones against Ukraine. Local sources noted that electricity and water supply were disrupted after a series of explosions in some areas of Odesa.

"The enemy once again attacked the Odesa region with strike drones. There is damage to the energy infrastructure, and part of Odesa is without electricity," said the head of the Odesa region.

According to him, all emergency services were working at the sites of the attacks. At 00:46, the air raid alarm was lifted.

On Monday, public transport in Odesa will not operate due to power outages caused by Russian drone strikes. According to the city authorities, trams and trolleybuses will not run.

Kindergartens in Odesa that do not have electricity as of 8:00 will accept children in shifts and will not provide them with meals as cooking is impossible.

"The enemy continues to target our energy infrastructure. Russian drones attacked two substations in the southern region overnight," the state electricity provider UkrEnergo reported.

Due to equipment damage in Odesa and the Odesa region, energy workers are forced to increase periods of consumption restrictions.

"This is necessary to protect intact equipment from the load that could cause additional technological damage," the statement said.

According to UkrEnergo, more information about changes in blackout schedules can be found on the official websites of local power distribution companies.

Russian strikes on Odesa and the region

Russian forces have resumed mass attacks using kamikaze drones and missiles on Odesa and the region. On the night of March 22, Russian forces massively attacked Ukraine, launching over 150 drones and missiles targeting the energy sector. Air defense forces shot down 55 Shahed drones and 37 missiles. 

The Russians struck the Odesa region with ballistic weapons, causing a fire at the site of impact. Odesa rescuers used Magurus Wolf R1 special equipment to extinguish the fire. Emergency power outages have been introduced in Odesa and the region.

Moreover, Russia launched 57 aerial targets at Ukraine on the night of March 24. After the Russian attack, emergency power outages were reintroduced in Odesa.

According to representatives of the Ukrainian energy operator DTEK, stabilization outage schedules are being applied in Odesa under Ukrenergo's order due to increased electricity consumption during the evening peak hour.