Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure, Triggering Widespread Power Outages

Ukraine is facing another wave of attacks as Russia targets its energy infrastructure in a large-scale offensive, causing power outages across the country.

Ukraine’s Energy Minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed that explosions rocked energy facilities “all over Ukraine.” In a post on Facebook, he urged citizens to take shelter amid ongoing emergency power outages designed to protect critical systems and people’s safety.

The strikes come amid a barrage of missile and drone attacks, with the Ukrainian Air Force issuing a nationwide air raid warning early Thursday morning. Over the past several days, Russia has reportedly carried out around 1,500 airstrikes, impacting roughly half of Ukraine’s regions.

Several cities remain under threat. Kyiv, Rivne, Vinnytsia, Kropyvnytskyi, Balta, and Mykolaiv were all named as potential targets for incoming missiles and drones. In Kharkiv, Mayor Igor Terekhov reported shelling in civilian neighborhoods, while Lutsk’s Mayor Ihor Polishchuk shared that multiple explosions were heard, with power outages affecting parts of the city.

Odesa, a crucial Black Sea port, also faced explosions, according to local media outlet Zerkalo Tyzhnya. Regional governor Oleg Kiper warned residents to stay indoors and remain vigilant. Meanwhile, strikes have also hit Sumy and Volyn regions, causing additional concerns.

As the conflict intensifies, the ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid highlight the harsh realities civilians face — coping with both the threat of violence and the challenges of losing essential services like electricity. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, calling on people to follow safety protocols while efforts to protect critical infrastructure are underway.