In Konotop, Sumy region, after Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, a critical situation with electricity supply has arisen. Some of the damaged facilities are virtually destroyed and cannot be restored, and diesel fuel reserves needed for generator operation are almost exhausted.

This was reported by the mayor of Konotop, Artem Semenikhin, on the air of "Apostrophe" on October 27. As of October 28, the city is on the fifth day of widespread electricity supply problems following the Russian attack.

According to the mayor, the energy equipment that received direct hits is completely destroyed. It is impossible to restore it with ordinary repair works.

Semenikhin explained that the damage is so severe that currently it is only possible to partially provide electricity to certain critical infrastructure facilities.

In particular, at night the city hospital can sometimes be connected, and in some cases part of the water utility equipment. The rest of the city remains mostly without centralized power supply.

The mayor noted that previously installed protection for part of the energy infrastructure worked, but the Russian strikes hit equipment for which additional protection was not provided.

A separate problem is the shortage of diesel fuel for backup power sources.

According to Semenikhin, the city has already used most of the reserves formed before the intensification of Russian attacks on the energy sector. During an interview on October 27, he warned that fuel may only last until the next day.

To meet the priority needs of Konotop, at least 40 tons of diesel are needed.

Fuel is needed for generators that ensure the operation of boiler houses, invincibility points and other life-support facilities.

The mayor emphasized that without additional fuel supplies, difficulties may arise in maintaining the operation of these facilities. He hopes for help from the government and the Sumy Regional Military Administration.

According to Semenikhin, Denys Shmyhal is also involved in addressing the city's needs. Meanwhile, during the interview, the problem of diesel supply still remained unresolved.

Businesses help residents during prolonged blackout

Despite the difficult situation, shops, pharmacies and catering establishments continue to operate in Konotop. Some enterprises use their own generators and allow residents to charge phones and other devices free of charge.

According to the mayor, kindergartens also work, and children are provided with hot meals. Schools are on vacations planned in advance.

Meanwhile, Suspilne Sumy reported residents' complaints about difficulties with charging backup power sources and access to some invincibility points.

As previously reported by "Course of Ukraine", after the Russian attack on the night of October 24, Konotop was left without stable power supply. Problems with gas supply also occurred in a large part of the city.

Water is supplied to residents according to a schedule - from 06:00 to 09:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00. Due to the power outage, city electric transport suspended operation.

Sumyoblenergo previously reported that emergency repair crews work continuously, but the timing of power restoration depends, among other things, on the security situation.

As of the time of the mayor's statement, no specific deadlines for restoring stable power supply were given. Whether the city received the necessary additional batch of diesel fuel on October 28 has not yet been confirmed.

Based on materials: interview with Artem Semenikhin, Suspilne Sumy