NPR

A Ukrainian city struggles after Russian forces blew up its water supply

Russian missiles ruptured Mykolaiv's pipelines. They stretch across territory under Russian control, making it impossible for municipal workers to repair them. With winter coming, worries are rising.
Residents of Mykolaiv collect clean water from a distribution station set up by the International Committee of the Red Cross on Oct. 1.

MYKOLAIV, Ukraine — The southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv is surrounded by water. The Buh River wraps around the shipbuilding port before spreading into the Black Sea. But ever since Russian missiles ruptured the two pipelines that supplied the city's municipal water system, on the same day in mid-April, Mykolaiv's residents have struggled to access clean water.

Ukrainian officials say the attack was a deliberate and successful attempt to cut off the city's water supply. The massive pipes carried water more than

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