Blackout
Repair work has begun on the 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 backup power line near the Zaporizhzhia NPP. This became possible thanks to another ceasefire achieved through the mediation of the IAEA.
Since the beginning of the week, Russia has used more than 1,300 attack drones, about 1,050 guided aerial bombs, and 29 missiles against Ukraine. President Zelenskyy called for increased aid to Ukraine and pressure on the aggressor.
On January 18, Russian troops attacked the southern districts of Odesa region with drones, damaging an energy infrastructure facility and a production building. There were no fatalities or injuries, and the fire has been extinguished.
The ATESH movement carried out an act of sabotage at a power substation in Bryansk, damaging equipment and disrupting power supply to military facilities. This affected the operation of the railway station, military enterprises, and fuel storage bases.
As a result of enemy shelling of Zaporizhzhia district, power went out in Vilniansk, and a fire broke out. The city's critical infrastructure is operating on generators.
Additional power crews from other regions began working in Kyiv today to restore electricity supply. Work is underway to return heat to about 100 buildings, and more than 60 generators are being prepared for transfer.
Kyiv has updated its curfew rules, allowing people to reach 'Points of Invincibility' or their homes on foot or by transport. 'Points of Invincibility' will now operate 24/7, but documents are required.
Foreign Minister Sybiha urged the IAEA and leading states to force Russia to abandon strikes on substations that power Ukrainian nuclear power plants. According to intelligence, Russia is planning dangerous strikes that will have catastrophic consequences.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia is preparing strikes on Ukrainian energy and infrastructure, including nuclear power plant facilities. He emphasized that every strike on energy infrastructure in winter weakens the efforts of states to end the war.
The GUR reports that Russia is considering an option to attack power transmission substations that ensure the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants. The goal is to force Ukraine to capitulate and increase pressure on Europe.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that critical infrastructure in the city has sustained significant damage as a result of Russian strikes. Recovery will be difficult and prolonged due to constant shelling.
In Ukraine, the curfew has been eased for travel to Invincibility Points and heating points. You must have an identity document with you, and conscripts must have a military registration document.
President Zelenskyy held an energy meeting, discussing the elimination of the consequences of Russian strikes and increasing the resilience of cities. The most difficult situation is in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and their regions.
The NSDC's Center for Countering Disinformation refuted information about an alleged complete power outage in western Ukraine. This letter is an element of hybrid warfare aimed at destabilizing society.
As a result of the night attack, 56,000 families in the Bucha district of Kyiv region were left without electricity. DTEK energy workers have powered critical infrastructure facilities and are carrying out restoration work in freezing conditions. Emergency power outages continue in Brovary and Boryspil districts.
After the massive Russian attack on January 9, about 50 buildings in Kyiv remain without heating. Previously, 6,000 buildings were without heat supply.
During the night, the enemy attacked the energy infrastructure of Odesa region, causing damage and a fire. There are no dead or injured, the fire has been extinguished.
A blackout occurred in Mariupol on January 16 after a drone strike on the Azovska substation. Most of the city was left without electricity and heating, and power problems also affected nearby settlements.
The IAEA Director General confirmed the agreement of Ukraine and Russia on a local truce to restore the power line to the ZNPP. This will allow the restoration of the last backup line, which failed on January 2.
On the night of January 17, a fire broke out at the PS 220 kV "Oka" No. 400 power substation in Serpukhov, Moscow region. Part of the city and surrounding settlements were left without electricity.
Uklon and Bolt companies are resuming 24/7 operations in Kyiv starting January 17, having coordinated this with the city authorities. This will allow residents to reach important facilities during curfew hours.
In Kyiv, 67 high-rise buildings remain without heating after the massive attack on January 9. Utility workers and energy specialists are working to restore infrastructure amid emergency blackouts.
Ukrzaliznytsia is dimming external lighting at railway stations in Lviv, Dnipro, Odesa, Kyiv, and Kharkiv to save electricity. Invincibility Points continue to operate as usual.
The new Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal, presented anti-crisis measures to overcome the consequences of blackouts. Experts assess these decisions as quick managerial gestures that do not solve systemic problems.
President Zelenskyy met with Oleksandr Kubrakov to discuss the emergency energy situation in Ukrainian cities and communities. They also discussed cooperation with partners to strengthen Ukraine's resilience and infrastructure development.
President Zelenskyy expects that the energy "Ramstein" will become a platform for agreements on the continued transfer of air defense systems and missiles to Ukraine. He emphasized the need for constant supplies to protect energy infrastructure.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom will jointly produce a thousand Octopus interceptor drones monthly starting from February 2026. These drones are designed to destroy Shahed-type attack UAVs.
The government has allowed regions to implement flexible curfew rules during an energy emergency. Kyiv may be the first city where these changes are introduced.
After the shelling on January 10, 51. 5 thousand homes on the left bank of the Dnipro have electricity again. Energy workers ask to use electricity sparingly due to temporary power supply schemes.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine's electricity deficit is 7 GW, or almost 40%. He emphasized the daily restoration of the energy system and increased imports.