Ukrainian Energy Workers Brace for Russian Strikes as Drone Attacks Cut Power in Occupied South

Updated 2026-01-24 05:01:46+00:00 (12 articles)

Intensified Russian Campaign Hits Hundreds of Energy Sites Russia launched 612 missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in 2025, striking 11 hydroelectric plants, 45 heat and power stations, and 151 substations in the last three months [1]. A massive strike on the night of Jan. 9 destroyed power for over 300,000 Kyiv homes and cut water to more than a million people [1]. Overnight attacks killed at least two civilians across Ukraine, underscoring the lethal toll of the winter‑time offensive [2].

Engineers Work Inside Sandbag‑Lined Steel Capsules Veteran technician Oleksandr Adamov and his colleagues enter a barrel‑shaped, bullet‑proof capsule to monitor control panels while missiles and drones approach [1]. The capsule’s thick steel and sandbag lining shields workers from debris, though a direct hit would force evacuation [1]. More than 15,000 energy personnel labor around the clock in sub‑zero conditions, welding and repairing damaged equipment to keep heat and electricity flowing [1].

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Sever Power in Occupied South Ukrainian drones damaged the grid in Russian‑controlled Zaporizhzhia, leaving over 200,000 households without electricity and nearly 400 settlements in darkness [2]. The attacks align with a broader pattern of targeting Ukraine’s power network during the harsh winter, complicating restoration efforts [2]. Authorities warn that repairs will take time, as damaged lines require extensive work.

Diplomacy and IAEA Ceasefire Enable Critical Repairs A Ukrainian delegation arrived in Washington to advance U.S.–led peace talks, aiming to finalize post‑war security guarantees and economic recovery plans [2]. Under an IAEA‑brokered ceasefire, crews began restoring the 330‑kilovolt Ferosplavna‑1 line that supplies the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant [2]. Successful restoration of this line is deemed essential for the plant’s safe operation amid ongoing conflict.

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Timeline

Feb 2022 – Russia launches a full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, marking the start of a conflict that later sees repeated attacks on civilian energy infrastructure [2].

Dec 5, 2025 – Russia fires 653 drones and 51 missiles overnight, striking the Fastiv railway hub, hitting facilities in eight regions and causing widespread blackouts; the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant temporarily loses external power for the 11th time since the invasion [2]. President Volodymyr Zelensky states, “Russia used more than 450 drones and 30 missiles,” and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko names Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Odesa and Chernihiv as affected [1]. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemns the strikes as attacks on civilian infrastructure [2]. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff reports “constructive talks” with Ukraine’s security council [2]. President Vladimir Putin warns Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Donbas [2].

Dec 6, 2025 – Russia launches another massive overnight assault with over 650 drones and 50 missiles, briefly cutting off off‑site power at Zaporizhzhia and disabling heat and water supplies for thousands in Odesa; a railway hub near Kyiv is hit and Russia claims to have shot down more than 100 Ukrainian drones [6][11][12]. President Zelensky discusses the peace plan with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and announces a forthcoming meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London [11][12]. Diplomatic talks continue in Florida between Ukrainian and U.S. officials [11][12].

Dec 13, 2025 – Night‑long Russian drone and missile strikes leave over 1 million households without electricity across five regions; Zelensky reports “more than 450 drones and 30 missiles” and notes the use of hypersonic Kinzhal missiles [1][4]. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff travels to Berlin to meet Zelensky on a U.S.–backed peace proposal [1][4]. EU leaders agree to indefinitely freeze €210 billion of Russian assets and discuss loaning the funds to Ukraine [1]. Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson suffer the worst damage, with multiple substations hit and civilian injuries reported [4]. Russia’s defense ministry claims it shot down over 40 Ukrainian drones that night [4]. Ukrainian forces claim a counter‑offensive pushes Russian units out of Kupiansk [4].

Dec 23, 2025 – Russia launches 635 drones and 38 missiles; Ukrainian air defenses down 587 drones and 34 missiles. Three civilians, including a 4‑year‑old child, are killed and power outages spread across 13 regions [9]. Energy provider DTEK reports its seventh major strike since October, bringing total damage to more than 220 attacks since the war began [9]. Zelensky frames the assault as “a clear message from Moscow” amid ongoing peace negotiations [9].

Jan 5, 2026 – A Russian drone strikes a Kyiv hospital, killing at least one and injuring several; Zelensky says 165 drones were launched, including 100 Shahed Iranian‑made drones [5]. Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting civilians, while former President Donald Trump first questions and then dismisses claims of a strike on Putin’s residence [5].

Jan 8, 2026 – Russian drone attacks knock out power to the entire Zaporizhzhia region and cut electricity for 600,000 households in Dnipropetrovsk; the blackout lasts about four hours before crews restore service [8]. Zelensky condemns the strikes as having “no military rationale” and warns citizens of a possible new massive attack that night [8]. Kryvyi Rih suffers two ballistic missile hits, injuring ten people [8]. Russia’s defense ministry says it shot down 66 Ukrainian drones over its territory [8].

Jan 9, 2026 – Russia launches more than 30 missiles and 339 drones, cutting power to over 300,000 Kyiv homes and depriving more than 1 million people of water; the attack is part of the 612 energy strikes recorded in 2025 [3].

Jan 18, 2026 – Ukrainian drone strikes damage energy networks in Russian‑occupied southern Ukraine, leaving over 200,000 households without power in the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia and affecting nearly 400 settlements [7]. Two civilians are killed in Ukraine’s energy grid attacks [7]. President Zelensky posts that repairing the energy system remains “challenging” but urges rapid restoration [7]. A Ukrainian delegation arrives in the United States for a U.S.–led peace push, with officials indicating that the post‑war security and reconstruction documents could be signed next week at Davos [7]. Under an IAEA‑brokered ceasefire, Ukrainian crews begin repairs on the backup 330‑kV line (Ferosplavna‑1) supplying the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant [7].

Jan 24, 2026 – Energy worker Oleksandr Adamov operates inside a steel, sandbag‑lined capsule at a power plant, monitoring controls while missiles and drones approach; the facility shows dozens of recent attack scars, and Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy reports 612 energy attacks in 2025, including hits on 11 hydroelectric plants, 45 heat/power stations and 151 substations [3]. More than 15,000 energy workers labor around the clock to repair damage and keep heat and power flowing for the population [3].