Energy infrastructure on both sides came under attack over the weekend, with Russia striking Ukraine with drones and missiles, while Kyiv responded by targeting Russian energy facilities.
A massive power outage hit Kyiv and Kharkiv on Saturday night after a large-scale Russian airstrike damaged two major thermal power plants and substations supplying nuclear power plants. While air defences intercepted many of the incoming missiles and drones, numerous households were temporarily left without electricity. Kyiv accuses Russia of deliberately trying to cripple Ukraine’s energy system as winter approaches. By Sunday morning, power had been restored to most of the affected regions.
Meanwhile, Moscow reported that Ukrainian drones had attacked energy facilities in the Voronezh and Belgorod regions, leaving tens of thousands of residents without electricity and heating.
The mutual attacks underscore that energy infrastructure has become a key target in the conflict. Ukrainian leaders have again called on Western allies to expand sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, including nuclear energy, which currently remains exempt from restrictions.
