russia targets energy infrastructure as temperatures drop, forcing rolling blackouts across Kyiv

DTEK repair crews are working to restore power to more than 500,000 customers in Kyiv after overnight attacks on 8th-9th January damaged substations, transmission lines and generation facilities during a sharp drop in temperatures.

russia launched a nearly five-hour assault on civilian infrastructure using over 240 drones and 36 missiles, including 13 ballistic missiles, one Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, and 22 cruise missiles specifically against energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, according to President Zelensky. The timing coincided with a significant cold snap affecting the capital region, when electricity demand increases for heating.

The strikes damaged critical energy infrastructure across multiple districts in Kyiv, disrupting electricity and water supplies.

Emergency blackouts remain in effect as engineers assess damage and work to restore voltage. The colder temperatures and repeated air raids are extending repair timelines and increasing pressure on the remaining operational capacity. DTEK engineers are prioritising critical infrastructure before expanding repairs to residential and commercial customers.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said work was continuing to restore supply to more than 500,000 consumers.

Update, 10th January: DTEK engineers have restored electricity to 648,000 households across Kyiv following the 8th January attacks. Repair teams are continuing work to address localised faults caused by grids overload and freezing temperatures.