Russian forces have destroyed a major energy facility in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Thursday.
Russia has attacked the power grid and other energy facilities as it continues its offensive in Ukraine, at a time when it faces pressure from the US to ensure peace.
Ihor Terehov, writing on the Telegram application, did not specify what object was hit, but said that emergency teams are working day and night in the field.
Kharkiv, just 25 kilometers from the Russian border, is a regular target of drones, missiles and guided bombs in the war, which enters its fifth year next month.
Regional governor Oleh Sinehubov said officials were still trying to assess the extent of the damage from the attack.
Power, heating and water shortages in major cities have worsened over the past week as Ukraine battles a cold wave that has overwhelmed an already weakened energy system.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Thursday that about 300 apartment buildings are left without heating after the January 9 attack destroyed the infrastructure for half of the city's high-rise buildings.
Russia has also stepped up attacks on ports in the southern Odesa region. In Thursday's rocket attack, one person was injured and shipping containers were damaged in the town of Chornomorsk, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksij Kuleba said.
Photo: AFP/IVAN SAMOILOV
