Russia strikes Ukraine’s energy facilities, 100,000 people lose power

More than 100,000 people in Ukraine are without electricity after Russian forces carried out extensive overnight drone attacks on energy and gas transport infrastructure across six regions, causing significant damage in Poltava, Chernihiv and Sumy on Wednesday.

That's according to Ukrainian officials who said that key gas production facilities in Poltava and Kharkiv were also targeted, alongside sites in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk. 

"We regard the Russian attacks as a continuation of the Russian Federation's deliberate policy of destroying Ukraine's civilian infrastructure ahead of the heating season," the Energy Ministry said.

Ukraine has been struggling with a gas shortage since earlier missile strikes cut production by 40%. According to authorities, Russian attacks on energy facilities have occurred 2,900 times since March 2025.

While power in Poltava has been restored, large parts of Sumy remained without electricity, with water and healthcare services relying on emergency backup systems.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported downing 74 of the 95 drones launched, though 21 hit nine locations. 

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