russian attacks on DTEK thermal power plants and energy network cause damage across Ukraine

russia has targeted DTEK power plants and grid operations in a massive attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure early on Sunday, causing severe damage.

Energy equipment at thermal power stations has sustained significant damage and we are currently assessing its extent. No casualties have been suffered, according to our preliminary assessment.

DTEK also had to initiate an emergency shutdown of power in Odessa region after one of the most intense attacks against the region in recent times. As a result, many customers in Odesa and the Odesa region are currently without power. Shutdowns in Kyiv, Kyiv Region, Dnipropretrovsk and Donetsk regions have now been reversed as energy workers stabilise the system.

DTEK cannot disclose the number of power stations hit or the extent of the damage for reasons of national security. Our employees are now assessing the extent of the damage and beginning work to clear the sites and begin full restoration.

DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko commented on the attacks: “russia has resumed its attacks against us this morning. Severe damage to Ukraine’s energy system, including to DTEK power stations. These attacks again highlight Ukraine’s need for additional air defence systems from our allies to prevent more destruction. The supply of power to millions this winter depends upon it.”

Sunday's attacks are the eighth wave of strikes against DTEK's generation facilities this year and the 10th against the wider energy system in 2024. russia launched its last major attack on 26th August.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, DTEK entirely civilian thermal power plants have been attacked over 190 times.

Early on Sunday, russia fired around 120 missiles and 90 drones, with air defence forces destroying over 140 aerial targets, according to the Ukrainian Government.

DTEK employees will continue to do everything possible to maintain the reliable operation of the Ukrainian energy system and work in collaboration with Ukrenergo.