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Russia Preparing to Hit Ukraine’s Water Supply Systems, Zelenskyy Warns
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russian forces are preparing a specific operation to target Ukraine's water supply systems in the coming months.
During a regional meeting following recent strikes on March 25, the President emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the protection of these facilities and bolster the country's air defenses.
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In his evening address, Zelenskyy stated that the government has clear information regarding these upcoming threats.
“We know that the Russians are preparing an operation against water supply systems in the coming months. In every community, there must be a serious attitude, an absolutely responsible attitude toward the protection of relevant facilities,” Zelenskyy said.
The President also reviewed the situation in regions affected by recent strikes as part of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
He noted that recovery efforts were focused on the Chernihiv region, where teams worked throughout the day to restore electricity.
Zelenskyy instructed government officials and the Office of the President to coordinate with the military to improve air defense, particularly against drones, in Ukraine’s western regions.
According to the President, establishing additional lines of defense is a primary objective. Zelenskyy concluded by noting that he met with the Prime Minister, the head of Naftogaz, and the Minister of Defense to discuss key tasks.
He added that the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also has specific measures to implement.
On the evening of March 18, 2026, Russian forces launched a drone attack on Ukraine’s western regions, during which "Shahed" drones struck an energy facility in Novovolynsk.
The strike caused a serious fire, leading to widespread power outages and disruptions in the water supply throughout the community.
The strike is part of a broader pattern of attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Russia’s large-scale missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands without power, water, and heat during freezing temperatures.
In Kyiv, over one million residents were plunged into darkness, and thousands of apartment buildings lost heating as critical substations, including those linked to nuclear facilities, were targeted.
