Debunking the fake: the blackout in Shostka was the result of Russian shelling, not the “policies of the Kyiv regime”
Russian propaganda is spreading yet another fake through anonymous Telegram channels, claiming that the blackout in the city of Shostka in the Sumy region is a “result of the policies of the Kyiv regime leading to the collapse of the municipal system”. This disinformation was debunked by fact-checkers from Detector Media. The blackout in Shostka is a direct consequence of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, not the result of actions by the Ukrainian authorities. Thanks to the efforts of energy workers, municipal services, and volunteers, the city is gradually returning to normal life.
What actually happened?
On 4 October 2025, Russian forces carried out massive shelling of Shostka in the Sumy region, deliberately targeting critical infrastructure facilities, including the railway station. As a result of the attacks, one person was killed and about 30 were injured, including three children. Due to damage to energy facilities, the city was left without electricity, gas, water, and partially without mobile communications.
Why is this a fake?
- The real cause of the blackout was Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, not actions by the Ukrainian authorities. Strikes on energy facilities led to power and gas outages and disrupted water supply.
- Restoration is ongoing. As of 7 October, specialists from Naftogaz of Ukraine had restored gas supply to 33,000 consumers in Shostka and nearby settlements (Bohdanka, Obrazhiivka, Kovtunove, Myronivka, Krupets, Shkyrmanivka). Electricity is being restored according to temporary schedules, with energy workers operating around the clock despite the risk of repeated strikes.
- Assistance to residents. Points of invincibility have been set up in the city, where people can warm up, charge their phones, and get hot drinks. Red Cross volunteers have organized hot meal distribution points and delivered a mobile bathing and laundry unit. The local bakery has resumed operations.
- State support. The Ukrainian government has allocated 1.5 billion hryvnias to protect energy facilities in frontline regions, including the Sumy region. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko visited Shostka to coordinate infrastructure recovery efforts.
Claims about an “infrastructure collapse caused by the Kyiv regime” are part of a Kremlin campaign to shift responsibility for its own crimes. Russia systematically attacks Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure in an attempt to break the spirit of Ukrainians and sow panic. By spreading fakes, propaganda seeks to justify aggression and undermine trust in the Ukrainian authorities.