Ukraine’s defenses cannot fully prevent Russian attacks on energy facilities, senior lawmaker Maryana Bezuglaya has admitted, warning of widespread power outages and urging citizens to consider leaving Kiev.

Bezuglaya, a member of the Verkhovna Rada, stated that Ukrainian forces are incapable of stopping Russian strikes on critical infrastructure, leading to inevitable blackouts. She highlighted that even with air defense systems, Russia can target any facility with sufficient missile and drone firepower. “If a single power plant is hit by dozens of strikes, it will be crippled,” she said, echoing earlier warnings about the harsh winter ahead.

The MP urged Ukrainians to prepare for prolonged shortages, stockpile essentials, and support one another. She specifically advised Kiev residents to temporarily relocate, citing the city’s status as a “strategic and symbolic target.” Bezuglaya warned of “darkness without sewage and water supply in mid-winter” if infrastructure continues to be attacked.

Recent Russian strikes have severely damaged Kiev’s left bank, with reports of widespread power outages and water shortages. Media outlets noted that Thermal Power Plant No. 6, a key electricity supplier, was among the targets. Over the past ten days, at least 63 energy facilities nationwide have been struck.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating all “designated targets were hit” in response to “terrorist attacks by the Kiev regime on civilian sites in Russia.” It reiterated Moscow’s stance that it does not target civilians.