{
  "id": 4029787,
  "title": "Russia destroyed last of Kherson’s heat and power equipment on 26 August. Ukraine’s new defense minister arrived days later",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/russia-destroyed-last-of-khersons-heat-and-power-equipment-on-26",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T20:10:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euromaidan Press",
    "slug": "euromaidan-press",
    "url": "https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/08/28/russia-destroyed-last-of-khersons-heat-and-power-equipment-on-26-august-ukraines-new-defense-minister-arrived-days-later/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In late August, Russian forces struck the sole remaining heat and power facility in Kherson, Ukraine. The main city's power and heating was rendered unusable when the Kherson combined heat and power plant was hit with a glide bomb on August 26, followed by additional strikes the following night with four more bombs, destroying all remaining equipment, according to Naftogaz. Following the destruction, Ukraine's new defense minister, Yevhenii Khmara, traveled to the region to assess the urgent needs of the area. Upon arrival, Khmara met with Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the regional military administration, to discuss the most pressing requirements, as reported by Ukraine's Defense Ministry. Prokudin had previously warned citizens to evacuate, expressing concern that Kherson would remain without heat and power during the winter months. He also noted that Russia had deployed 170 glide bombs in the oblast since July 1, more than during the entire first half of 2026. The defense minister and Prokudin addressed strengthening defenses against drones and aerial bombs, as well as ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure, which continued to be targeted by Russian forces. They also discussed providing troops with enhanced capabilities to strike Russian targets posing a threat to civilians and soldiers. Prokudin emphasized that no Ukrainian region has the capability to intercept Russian glide bombs or Shaheds, which have intensified their use against Kherson's infrastructure. Khmara met with marines, wounded soldiers, and commanders from the 30th Marine Corps operating on the Prydniprovskyi direction, discussing financial support for combat units and larger purchases of strike systems. The meeting included direct assistance to wounded troops and the presentation of state awards, reflecting the Defense Ministry's commitment to working closely with troops and frontline region leaders to bolster the Defense Forces and protect Ukrainian lives.",
  "summary": "Yevhenii Khmara met the regional governor days after glide bombs wrecked the city's power plant.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Meduza (English)",
        "title": "An exiled dissident’s wife returned to Russia for a visit. She’s now serving 10 days in jail — over a locked phone.",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/an-exiled-dissidents-wife-returned-to-russia-for-a-visit-shes-now",
        "published": "2026-08-28T18:49:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}