In a recent assault on May 14, 2023, Russian forces launched a significant missile and drone strike on Kyiv, damaging critical energy infrastructure, including a transformer substation and high-voltage lines operated by DTEK. The attack resulted in the destruction of a production site, specialized equipment, and 29 vehicles.
Energy workers are currently engaged in efforts to mitigate the impact of the attack. According to reports from Ukrenergo, the strikes have led to power outages across multiple regions, including Poltava, Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Lviv, Volyn, Khmelnytskyi, Chernihiv, and Kyiv.
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that the Russian military deployed 56 missiles of various types and 675 attack drones during this coordinated offensive, with Kyiv being the primary target. The latest updates indicate that four individuals have lost their lives, and 39 others have sustained injuries, including an infant.
Earlier in the day, Russia conducted an extended drone assault, as reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate, which noted that a combined airstrike on critical infrastructure was underway, potentially involving a substantial number of cruise missiles from both air and sea platforms, as well as ballistic missiles.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Following a surge in attacks in the fall of 2025, the gap between energy generation capacity and consumption needs has resulted in prolonged power outages. Although rolling blackouts were implemented in many areas, the arrival of spring and increased solar energy generation has eased some of these restrictions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on March 24 that Russian forces continue their efforts to disrupt Ukraine’s energy system. The Security Service of Ukraine has classified these attacks on energy infrastructure as crimes against humanity.
In early February 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Russia had not initiated attacks on civilian targets, asserting that Ukraine was the first to strike its energy facilities.
A recent missile and drone attack by Russian forces on Kyiv has severely damaged energy infrastructure, leading to multiple casualties and widespread power outages across various regions. The ongoing assault highlights the continued targeting of Ukraine's critical facilities amid the ongoing conflict.