Last night’s Russian air attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and technical issues have resulted in widespread power outages affecting 541 settlements across the country, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy.
The ministry reports that scheduled hourly power outages are in effect from 06:00 to 24:00. To compensate for the energy deficit, Ukraine is importing electricity from Romania, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary with a maximum capacity of 1,385 MW. No electricity exports are taking place.
Russian attack
In the early hours of 20 July, Russia launched an air attack on Ukraine using Iskander missiles and drones.
Ukraine destroys 13/17 Russian drones during nighttime attack
- In Poltava Oblast, equipment at a high-voltage substation was shut down during an air raid alert, leading to power outages on several overhead lines, substations, and household consumers. A fire broke out at the substation but was extinguished. Some consumers have been partially reconnected using backup schemes.
- In Sumy Oblast, a drone attack on a high-voltage substation caused a fire, resulting in equipment shutdown and loss of the substation’s own power needs. The fire has been extinguished.
- In Chernihiv Oblast, a drone attack led to equipment shutdown at a high-voltage substation, causing power outages at several substations, household consumers, and one enterprise. A fire at the substation was discovered and extinguished. Consumers have been partially reconnected.
- In Kharkiv Oblast, combat actions caused a high-voltage overhead line to shut down, but consumers were not disconnected.
Emergency
In Donetsk Oblast, ventilation equipment stopped at one of the mines while 33 workers were underground. All workers were safely evacuated to the surface.
The Ministry of Energy emphasizes that power outages are not planned for critical infrastructure facilities and enterprises that import over 80% of their electricity needs.
Related:
- Ukraine destroys 13/17 Russian drones during nighttime attack
- ISW: Ukraine lacks air defense systems to protect repaired energy facilities
- Poland’s proposal to shoot down Russian missiles rejected by NATO Secretary General
- Russian attacks leave thousands without power across seven Ukrainian regions
- Millions of Russians face blackouts themselves while Russia destroys Ukraine’s energy system
- Solar panels, generators, import from EU: How Ukrainians cope with energy crisis after Russian attacks
