Russia launches large-scale attack on Ukraine energy system

Russia launches large-scale attack on Ukraine energy system
People sleep as they take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian overnight missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, February 7, 2026.
Reuters

Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine’s energy system early on Saturday (7 January), hitting power generation and distribution facilities with more than 400 drones and around 40 missiles, Ukrainian officials have said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strikes targeted electricity grids, power plants and substations across several regions, as freezing temperatures added pressure to Ukraine’s already damaged energy sector.

“Every day Russia could choose real diplomacy, but it chooses new strikes,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Moscow must be deprived of the ability to use winter conditions as leverage.

Ukraine’s Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said two thermal power stations in western Ukraine were hit, along with key parts of the electricity distribution network.

Emergency power cuts were introduced nationwide, while Kyiv requested emergency electricity imports from Poland to stabilise the grid.

Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, said equipment at several of its thermal power plants was seriously damaged, marking the tenth attack on its facilities since October 2025.

Regional officials reported strikes in Lviv, Rivne, Ivano-Frankivsk and Volyn, as well as damage in Kyiv and Kharkiv, with air alerts lasting for hours in some areas.

The renewed attacks come as diplomatic efforts continue in parallel. U.S. President Donald Trump said “very good talks” were taking place on Ukraine and suggested “something could be happening”, without giving details.

A Reuters report said Washington is aiming for a peace agreement as early as next month, though major issues such as territory could delay progress.

Despite those efforts, Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in recent months, forcing repeated power cuts and leaving millions without electricity during winter.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian officials said the energy system would take time to repair after sustained attacks.

Moscow did not immediately comment on the latest strikes. Polish authorities said two airports in south-eastern Poland briefly suspended operations as a precaution because of the attacks near the border, before later resuming flights.

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