Massive Russian Airstrike Disrupts Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure, Leaving 550,000 Homes Without Power

Russia launched a “massive” airstrike overnight against Ukraine, targeting energy facilities and resulting in over 550,000 households losing electricity, as reported by Ukrainian officials.

Energy installations in 11 Ukrainian regions were hit, according to Deputy Energy Minister Artem Nekrasov, who noted that rolling blackouts and energy consumption restrictions for industries and businesses were subsequently implemented.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated early Monday that its forces conducted a “massive” attack on targets in Kyiv and its surrounding region. Moscow claimed it aimed at military-industrial installations, cruise missile and drone warehouses, as well as data centers.

Zelensky: We Were Not Warned by Our Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the Russian missile attack occurred in several waves during the night.

“Once again, we received no prior warning from our partners,” he stated, referring to the lack of alerts from the U.S. regarding the Russian missile launches.

“They once again targeted energy facilities and infrastructure, but also damaged a medical clinic, a school, a subway station, and ordinary residential buildings. In total, the Russians launched 16 ballistic missiles in a deliberate attack on Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Additionally, they deployed over 200 drones of various types, including Iranian-made Shahed drones, with the attacks covering an area from Kharkiv and Dnipro regions to Volyn, Rivne, and Odesa regions,” the Ukrainian leader wrote on social media platform X.

According to Zelensky, at least 10 energy infrastructure facilities were damaged just during the night from Sunday to Monday, leaving at least 550,000 families without power.

“When the supply of air defense missiles to Ukraine is blocked, while Russia is granted exemptions or delays in sanctions enforcement, it unfortunately represents a denial of reality by our partners. The reality is that the war continues, solely due to Russian attacks and Russia’s desire to prolong this war,” he added.

The energy sector and infrastructure of Ukraine have faced severe impacts from frequent Russian airstrikes throughout more than four years of conflict.