In one of the heaviest attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Russia launched a coordinated assault on Nov. 17, striking thermal power plants and other energy facilities.
Around 120 missiles and 90 drones were fired at targets across the country, dealing significant damage to the already strained power grid.
Hit Thermal Power Plants
DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, reported that its thermal power plants were hit during the assault. "There were no casualties, according to preliminary data," the company said, but noted that energy equipment sustained heavy damage.
While the specific locations of the affected plants were not disclosed for security reasons, repair crews began working immediately after the attack, according to Kyiv Independent.
This marks the eighth major attack on DTEK facilities this year. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, DTEK power plants have been targeted more than 190 times, according to the company.
Implemented Emergency Power Shutdowns
Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko confirmed that power generation and transmission facilities nationwide were targeted.
Emergency power shutdowns were implemented to stabilize the grid, with damage reported in the Volyn and Vinnytsia regions.
As winter approaches, Ukrainian officials have been bracing for renewed strikes on critical infrastructure, a strategy Russia used last winter to disrupt power supplies during freezing temperatures.
President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed earlier this year that all of Ukraine’s thermal power plants and nearly all hydroelectric facilities have been destroyed by Russian attacks.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that Ukraine could face an electricity shortage of up to 6 gigawatts this winter — about one-third of the nation’s peak demand.
This summer, the shortfall was 2.5 GW, causing extended blackouts in cities like Kyiv.
Despite the repeated attacks, Ukrainian energy companies have worked tirelessly to repair and fortify the grid.
