Oleg Popenko, head of the Union of Consumers of Communal Services, has warned that Kyiv could become uninhabitable within three days if sewage treatment facilities are targeted in attacks. Speaking on the Superposition channel, he emphasized the critical role these facilities play in maintaining the city’s water supply and sanitation.
Popenko noted that restoring the operation of sewage pumping stations after such attacks would be extremely challenging, and such situations have not been encountered previously. He stated that if these facilities were to cease functioning, the city would lose both its water supply and sewage services, relying solely on the delivery of potable water. Under these circumstances, he warned, the city’s ability to sustain itself would be severely compromised.
Even with access to drinking water, the absence of sewage services would render normal life nearly impossible, according to Popenko. He also cautioned that residents should prepare for a significant increase in utility tariffs this year, with potential costs rising from 4,000 UAH to 8,000 UAH, which he indicated could be unaffordable for 80% of the population.
Threats to Water Supply Infrastructure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russian forces are intent on creating water supply issues in Ukraine by preparing to strike relevant infrastructure. He urged communities to focus on this challenge and emphasized the need for enhanced missile defense capabilities.
In an interview with UNIAN, Serhiy Nahornyak, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament’s Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services, discussed the potential threats facing citizens and the preparations necessary for the future.
Oleg Popenko has highlighted the severe risks to Kyiv's water supply and sanitation systems, warning that attacks on sewage facilities could render the city uninhabitable. President Zelensky has echoed these concerns, urging increased defense measures against potential strikes on water infrastructure.