Ukrainian energy network hit by major russian attack

08:00

By: Sahili Aya

Ukrainian energy network hit by major russian attack

Ukraine faced a new wave of large-scale attacks on its energy infrastructure on Saturday, leading to widespread power outages across much of the country, according to the national electricity operator.

The company reported that emergency cuts were implemented in most regions after damage was recorded at several key facilities. The strikes were still ongoing early in the morning, forcing authorities to reduce electricity distribution to prevent a complete collapse of the grid.

In Kyiv, residents experienced fresh blackouts as temperatures dropped below freezing. Local officials warned that the cold spell could intensify over the coming days, raising concerns for households already affected by limited heating and electricity. Similar disruptions were reported in western regions, where explosions were heard near critical infrastructure sites.

Russia has been targeting Ukraine’s energy system for months, aiming to weaken the country’s resilience during winter. Since the start of the conflict in 2022, repeated strikes on power plants, substations and transmission lines have left millions of people facing shortages of electricity and heat.

Beyond Ukraine’s borders, Poland announced that it had deployed military aircraft to secure its airspace, a precaution often taken when missile and drone attacks occur near the frontier.

On the diplomatic front, progress remains limited. Recent talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives, held with international mediation, resulted mainly in a prisoner exchange. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said further details of the discussions would be reviewed internally, acknowledging that sensitive issues could not be addressed publicly.

As winter deepens, the renewed attacks highlight the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure and the ongoing humanitarian risks linked to the conflict.