Kyiv, December 01, 2025
Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on November 29, 2025, leaving over 600,000 customers, including more than 500,000 in Kyiv, without electricity. The strikes came as a Kyiv delegation was in the United States attending peace talks, highlighting the attack’s strategic timing to destabilize Ukraine.
Severe Power Outages Across Major Ukrainian Cities
More than 600,000 consumers experienced widespread power outages following one of Russia’s largest energy-targeted attacks in recent weeks. Kyiv suffered the brunt of the blackouts with over 500,000 people affected. Other major regions including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kherson also saw significant disruptions, crippling daily life and hampering essential services.
Damage to Critical Energy Infrastructure and Ongoing Repairs
The strikes inflicted heavy damage on Ukraine’s critical power facilities, exacerbating the country’s ongoing energy crisis. Emergency crews are actively engaged in repair work; however, power interruptions and scheduled outages remain in place to balance supply and demand during restoration efforts. Ukrainian authorities have urged residents to conserve electricity and shift energy-intensive activities to nighttime to mitigate the strain on the grid.
Cumulative Destruction of Ukraine’s Domestic Power Capacity
These attacks contribute to a prolonged campaign by Russia aimed at undermining Ukraine’s energy security. By mid-2024, Russian strikes had destroyed approximately 9 gigawatts (GW) of Ukraine’s domestic power generation capacity—nearly half of its peak winter supply. The repeated targeting of energy infrastructure appears designed to weaken public morale and push Ukraine closer to a total blackout.
Public Advisories and Scheduled Power Restrictions
In response, Ukrainian officials have implemented power usage restrictions nationwide, including scheduled outages across all affected regions. Residents and businesses are advised to prioritize essential electricity use and comply with the conservation measures as repair operations continue.
This latest wave of targeted attacks underscores the persistent threat to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the broader implications for the country’s stability and humanitarian conditions amid an ongoing conflict.