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Ukraine businesses struggle to cope as Russian attacks bring power cuts, uncertainty
Russian forces have intensified missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since October 2025, destroying significant generation capacity and causing widespread power outages, especially during the 2025-2026 winter, severely impacting businesses and civilians.[1][3]
Why It Matters
The attacks have reduced Ukraine's energy system to 60% capacity, forcing electricity imports from Europe and risking humanitarian catastrophe amid cold weather, disrupting businesses, daily life, and economy.[1][3][4]
Timeline
7 Events
Energy system at 60% capacity as of early January 2026
January 2026
Russian strikes left Ukraine's energy system able to meet only 60% of national demand, causing prolonged blackouts including in Kyiv.[4]
Major Russian strikes leave 2.5 million without power
24 January 2026
Overnight Russian strikes left an estimated 2.5 million Ukrainians without power; Kyiv's Dniprovskyi district and Left Bank heavily affected, described as unprecedented winter hardship by Mayor Klitschko.[1][3]
DTEK CEO describes situation as near humanitarian catastrophe
23 January 2026
DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko stated the national energy situation was close to a humanitarian catastrophe.[3]
Zelenskyy warns of strategic energy offensive
20 January 2026
Zelenskyy warned that Russia's missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure drained €80 million in air defenses; intercepts occurred over multiple regions, leaving thousands without power, water, heating.[1]
Zelenskyy declares state of emergency due to energy strain
14 January 2026
President Zelenskyy declared a state of emergency citing strain on the national grid from Russian attacks.[3]
Ukraine imports record electricity from Europe
Since October 2025
Ukraine secured 1.9 gigawatts of imported power from European neighbors to compensate for destroyed capacity.[1]
Russian strikes destroy 8.5 GW of Ukraine's energy capacity
Since October 2025
Russian forces destroyed 8.5 gigawatts of Ukraine's energy generation capacity, including thermal and hydropower plants, straining restoration efforts in winter conditions.[1]