Shmyhal: Russia will strike water supply and sewage systems this winter

Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal has warned that in the coming winter Russia intends to strike not only heating infrastructure but also water supply and sewage systems.

He made the statement in an interview with Politico.

“Russia’s goal now is to destroy our water supply systems. Last winter they struck electricity and heating, but during power outages you could survive if you had gas and water. Without water and sewage, it is hard to survive more than three days,” Shmyhal said.

In the minister’s view, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is counting on these strikes to “break” Ukrainian society so that it pressures the country’s leadership to “sign a capitulation.”

Shmyhal himself said he remains optimistic: “We will get through this winter; we are prepared for it.” Ukraine, he said, intends to force Russia toward peace this autumn — through its own strikes and Western sanctions.

“It’s like the 12th round, and every boxer hopes his opponent will fall first,” Shmyhal added.

The minister also said that Russia has so far destroyed or damaged more than 80% of Ukraine’s energy capacity.

Earlier, experts warned of the risk of a “waterout” in Ukraine due to Russian strikes on water infrastructure.