Russia launched one of the most powerful aerial attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure early Wednesday, firing approximately 450 drones and 70 missiles — the largest strike on the country’s power grid so far in 2026. The assault hit key energy facilities across multiple regions, leaving widespread power outages as temperatures plunged below freezing and just a day before scheduled peace talks in Abu Dhabi.
Massive Strike on Energy Infrastructure
In the early hours, Russian forces unleashed a barrage of around 450 long-range drones and over 70 missiles of various types, including ballistic missiles, targeting Ukraine’s electricity grid and thermal power plants. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as an attempt to deny civilians heating, water and electricity amid the harsh winter.
The assault damaged substations, transformers and turbines, affecting cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Sumy and Vinnytsia. The private utility firm DTEK reported that its thermal power plants were hit, causing severe disruption to winter heating systems.
Timing Ahead of Peace Talks
The attack came just one day before peace talks brokered by the United States were due in Abu Dhabi between Russia and Ukraine, raising questions over Moscow’s commitment to diplomatic negotiations. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was visiting Kyiv at the time, signaling Western support for Ukraine’s defense.
Ukraine accused Russia of breaking a brief cease-fire understanding regarding attacks on energy infrastructure during extreme cold. Zelenskyy condemned the strike as an effort to terrorize civilians during the winter, urging allies to increase air defense support and apply “maximum pressure” on Moscow to end the full-scale invasion.
Casualties and Damage
Officials reported at least 10 people wounded in the strikes, with fires breaking out at residential buildings, a kindergarten and a gas station in Kyiv. Over 1,100 apartment buildings were left without heating, according to city authorities. In Kharkiv and Odesa, power distribution systems also suffered damage.
Besides thermal power plants, historical landmarks such as the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine were damaged in the attack.
