Speaking in Ukraine, Alexander De Croo, head of the UN development agency and the organisation's third most senior official, accused Russia of systematically targeting the country's energy infrastructure. He described a 'race against the clock' to repair the power network before winter sets in and temperatures fall dramatically.
Russia and Ukraine have intensified aerial attacks in recent months. Both sides deny deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. In recent around-the-clock attacks, Russia has deployed faster, jet-powered drones that are harder to intercept, striking infrastructure across Ukraine, including in Kyiv. The attacks have hit businesses, warehouses, factories, petrol stations, and energy infrastructure.
Efforts are under way to repair Ukraine's power network to allow people to run heaters and access water during winter, according to images of workers from the Ukrainian energy company DTEK performing repairs at an electrical substation in Kyiv.
The warnings come as civilians have been told to flee Ukraine's fortress cities as Russia seeks to control the Donbas region, and as Kyiv continues to launch drone attacks.