Emergency power outages have been introduced in almost all of Ukraine following an intensive campaign of Russian air strikes on energy infrastructure. Experts warn that the consequences of these strikes may extend far beyond the immediate inconveniences of daily life, questioning the stability of key services and industries.
This will be the fourth consecutive winter of power outages across Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Power plants and substations have been subjected to systematic attacks, leading to significant damage and restrictions. Russian actions constitute a gross violation of international law and the principles of humanitarian law, affecting the civilian population and questioning the energy security of the entire country.
The Ministry of Energy reported that all but two regions are affected. Only the eastern Donetsk region, on the front line of the war, is exempt, while the northern Chernihiv region is already facing hourly outages. The reduction in power supply has a disproportionate impact on the civilian population, including hospitals, schools and homes, which are dependent on electricity to function.
In addition to targeting the energy grid, Russia is increasingly attacking Ukrainian railways. Such actions are part of a broader strategy to disrupt logistics and hinder the movement of goods and people in the country. Ukraine, for its part, has intensified attacks on Russian oil refineries, in border areas and beyond. These actions represent a response to military actions and are part of a larger conflict in which the two sides are mutually striking each other.