Russian attacks caused widespread blackouts in Ukraine's southeastern regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia, the country's energy ministry reported Wednesday night. The attacks left the regions almost entirely without power, with critical infrastructure operating on reserve power, according to a statement released on Telegram.

Officials also reported disruptions to water supplies and internet access. Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in recent weeks, with the apparent goal of crippling power supplies during the winter months.

"Ukraine's energy system is under enemy attacks every day, and energy workers are operating in extremely difficult conditions to provide people with light and heat," Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on Telegram. She added that "deteriorating weather conditions put additional strain on critical infrastructure."

The disruptions to power and heating occurred as temperatures plunged in the region. State energy company Ukrenergo stated on Telegram that "emergency restoration work in the regions affected by the attack will begin immediately as soon as the security situation allows."

The ongoing conflict has increasingly targeted civilian infrastructure, raising concerns about humanitarian consequences. The attacks on energy infrastructure are part of a broader strategy that aims to weaken Ukraine's resilience and ability to sustain its war effort. The repeated targeting of critical services highlights the vulnerability of civilian populations in modern warfare.

The situation underscores the challenges faced by Ukraine in maintaining essential services amidst ongoing hostilities. The reliance on reserve power and the urgency of restoration efforts reflect the severity of the damage inflicted by the attacks. International organizations have condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure and called for adherence to international humanitarian law.