Russia says Ukraine resumes attacks on energy facilities

Russia has launched over 925,000 shells and up to 6,500 drone attacks per week on Ukraine's Kherson Oblast since late 2022, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the regional military administration. Prokudin reported this at the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Strasbourg. Approximately 70% of Kherson Oblast remains under Russian military occupation, primarily on the left (east) bank of the Dnipro River, while Ukrainian forces have liberated and control the right bank, including the regional center of Kherson city.

Prokudin described the region's experience as enduring Russia's aggression for nearly five years, situated just a few kilometers from Russian positions. He emphasized that Russia has employed everything except nuclear weapons during this period. A significant concern, Prokudin highlighted, is the "drone safari," which now consists of up to 6,500 drone attacks weekly.

These attacks are targeted terror against civilians, including children, medical personnel, and rescuers. Despite this, the region has adapted, maintaining the lives of 140,000 residents through effective coordination among local authorities, military, emergency services, and volunteers. They have also established underground schools and hospitals, accelerated the demining process in deoccupied areas, and implemented anti-drone defenses to counter incoming UAVs effectively.

Prokudin stressed that his region's unique experience in civil-military administration is being studied by nine European countries, ranging from the Baltic states and Scandinavia to Germany and Poland. He emphasized that facing a large-scale crisis leaves no time for preparation and urged Europe to ready its communities, energy systems, medical resources, and local governments, not just its military forces.

Prokudin stressed that the region's pain must yield meaning and save thousands of lives. He expressed gratitude to the Council of Europe and international partners for their solidarity with Kherson Oblast.