DISINFO: Crime on the rise in Ukraine during power outages, police cannot help
SUMMARY
Crime has been on the rise in Ukraine since power outages were imposed in October 2022. Criminals touting machine guns kill and rape with impunity during blackouts. It is impossible to call the police because phones lines are down. Even if they do arrive, they can do nothing against big gangs of criminals. They do not even try to interfere. This is a real disaster.
RESPONSE
This is an unsubstantiated claim. It is aimed at portraying Ukraine’s authorities as weak and helpless in dealing with Russia-inflicted electricity shortages and implying that it is better for Ukraine to surrender and save people’s lives. This claim was made in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine's law enforcement agencies are as active as before, regardless of the timing of power outages. In case of extraordinary events, it is easy to contact the police because phone lines are not generally affected by power outages. Since Russia launched its war of aggression and curfew was imposed in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, police forces have been even more active with enhanced patrols throughout the country in the evening and at night seeking curfew violators (read here and here).
Read more disinformation cases about Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.