War in Ukraine: Kyiv expects new Russian attacks this week

New week ahead. Ukrainian officials said Monday they expect a new wave of Russian bombardments, with earlier salvos targeting critical infrastructure and causing widespread water and power cuts, especially in Kyiv.

“It is very likely that the beginning of the week will be marked by such an attack,” Natalya Gumenyuk, spokeswoman for the Southern Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said on Monday, noting that a Russian missile carrier appeared in the Black Sea.

“This is a surface missile carrier that carries eight Caliber missiles. This suggests that preparations are underway, ”she added to Ukrainian television.

“The whole state is getting ready”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned in a video message Sunday night that “the coming week could be as difficult as the previous one,” marked by Russian bombing raids that caused massive power outages as winter temperatures stabilize.

“Our defense forces are getting ready. The entire state is preparing. We are working on all scenarios, including with Western partners,” he added, urging Ukrainians to pay attention to anti-aircraft alert.

Electricity shortage, which still affects 27% of households

He also reported on a “very difficult” situation on the front, especially in the Donetsk region in the east, where fighting has been concentrated since the withdrawal of Russian troops from the city of Kherson in the south.

After Russian strikes last Wednesday, millions of Ukrainians were left without electricity. According to the national operator Ukrenergo, there is still a shortage of electricity in the country on Monday, which affects 27% of households, and emergency shutdowns continue to operate throughout the territory.