Key facts
- Ukrainian attacks have caused power outages in Crimea, affecting residents' ability to cook.
- Local authorities in Massandra are providing hot meals to affected families.
- Approximately 200 people are being served daily.
- Some residents have been without electricity for up to 10 days.
Under a blazing summer sun in the Crimean town of Massandra, residents are queuing for hot meals as Ukrainian attacks on infrastructure have cut power to their homes. Chef poured oil into huge pots on a street, preparing to serve dozens of people. Cities and towns across Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, have faced limited fuel supplies throughout the summer due to Ukrainian strikes on power plants and other infrastructure. Ukraine states it is intensifying strikes deep inside Russian-controlled territory as part of its strategy to "bring the war back home to Russia." Massandra town administration head Oksana Madyud stated that her workers are serving roughly 200 people per day, providing hot meals as not everyone has the means to cook with electric hobs. Local woman Marina described the difficulty of managing without electricity, mentioning her electric cooker was unusable and she was seeking a gas cooker and cylinders. Another resident, Alexandra, said she was drawn by the smell of lunch after going without electricity for 10 days, noting that power was restored that afternoon but she was uncertain if it would remain on.