Russian missile strikes overnight have caused near-total power outages across parts of southeastern Ukraine, according to officials from Ukraine’s energy ministry, deepening concerns over winter disruptions to essential services.
Power Grid Severely Hit in Key Regions
In a statement shared on Telegram, the energy ministry said electricity supplies were almost completely cut in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions following late-night attacks.
“Critical infrastructure is operating on reserve power only,” the ministry said, adding that emergency measures had been activated to keep vital services running.
Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have been ongoing since the early stages of the war, but officials say attacks have intensified in recent weeks as temperatures drop.
Cold Weather Worsens Energy Crisis
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko warned that worsening weather conditions could further strain the energy system. Forecasts indicate heavy snowfall and overnight temperatures plunging to minus 20°C.
“Ukraine’s energy system is under enemy attack every day,” she said on Telegram. “Energy workers are operating in extremely difficult conditions to provide people with light and heat.”
Transport and Public Services Disrupted
State broadcaster Suspіlne reported widespread power cuts in the city of Dnipro, forcing the metro system to suspend operations. Local officials said it was unclear when electricity would be fully restored.
Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the military administration in Kryvyi Rih, urged residents to prepare for extended blackouts and rely on generators where possible.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Railways confirmed that trains and signalling systems in the affected regions had been switched to backup power, with stations operating on generators.
Communication and Safety Concerns
Zaporizhzhia Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said the outages had disabled air raid sirens in some areas, raising safety concerns. Mobile phone networks are functioning in emergency mode, and residents were urged to limit usage.
Fedorov added that hospitals in Zaporizhzhia remain operational and that water supplies would be restored swiftly in impacted districts.
