Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy network have caused power outages across multiple regions, Ukrenergo said, urging consumers to shift intensive electricity use to daytime and to conserve at night. Emergency repairs are under way where security allows, and some temporary outages were implemented in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy reported a school struck in Kyiv with no casualties, while Odesa recorded one injury after a strike. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 107 drones, including 63 jet-powered drones.
Widespread Power Cuts Hit Ukraine After Renewed Russian Strikes; Ukrenergo Urges Reduced Night Use
Several regions of Ukraine hit by power cuts after Russian strikes, grid operator says
Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have caused widespread power outages across several regions, the national grid operator Ukrenergo said on Thursday, urging households and businesses to curb consumption where possible.
Outages were reported from Kharkiv in the east to Chernihiv and Sumy in the north, and from Rivne in the northwest to Kirovohrad in central Ukraine. Ukrenergo said emergency repair and restoration work is under way in locations where security conditions allow.
What Authorities Say
Ukrenergo asked domestic consumers to shift "intensive energy use" to daytime hours and use electricity economically in the evenings. The operator noted that hourly power outages and capacity limits for industrial consumers are not being implemented at present, but still urged reduced overnight consumption — especially in Kyiv and surrounding regions — to help stabilise the grid during continued attacks.
"Energy workers are doing everything possible to restore power to all disconnected consumers as quickly as possible," Ukrenergo said.
Escalation Ahead Of Winter
Moscow said it deliberately targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure with drones and missiles in Kyiv and nearby areas. Ukrainian authorities described the strikes as an opening salvo in a campaign aimed at degrading power and heating ahead of winter, raising fears of another season with little or no reliable energy — after last year's attacks coincided with temperatures plunging to about -20°C.
People walk in front of garages destroyed in a Russian missile strike on Vyshhorod, 30 September, 2026 - AP Photo
Some emergency outages were implemented in Kyiv on Wednesday night as crews balanced restoration efforts with security risks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces also struck a school in Kyiv; children and teachers were sheltering at the time and authorities reported no casualties.
"Russian scumbags continue attacking life across our country, Ukrainian children and our schools," President Zelenskyy wrote on X, publishing footage showing blown-out windows.
Incidents Reported Elsewhere
In the southern port city of Odesa, local officials said a strike hit a business centre overnight, sparking a fire and damaging roofs and facades of neighbouring buildings. The Odesa Regional State Emergency Service reported one person injured. Windows were shattered and parts of a fifth-floor wall were partially destroyed; firefighters extinguished the blaze.
Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 107 drones overnight, including 63 jet-powered drones. Attacks were recorded at 11 locations and debris from downed drones fell in four areas. The Air Force warned the assault was ongoing, with more drones reportedly in the air.
Outlook
Ukrenergo and emergency services continue repair efforts where it is safe to do so. Authorities reiterated appeals to the public to conserve energy — particularly at night — and for international partners to provide more air-defence interceptors, which President Zelenskyy said "truly save lives" as Kyiv braces for intensified strikes this winter.
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