Russia's February 7 Attack Intensifies Ukraine's Energy Crisis

On February 7, Russia launched a significant assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leading to emergency power outages across numerous regions and inflicting damage on nuclear facilities, according to Ukrainian government officials. This attack exacerbated the strain on Ukraine’s power grid as the country faced a return to freezing temperatures, with forecasts predicting a drop to –19 degrees Celsius (–2 degrees Fahrenheit) in Kyiv.

In his evening address, President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the severity of the attack, noting that it targeted facilities essential for the operation of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. Following the assault, power generation was reduced at these plants, and one unit was automatically shut down.

Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that Russian forces specifically targeted high-voltage substations and critical transmission lines, which are vital to Ukraine’s electricity network. The attack also hit power generation facilities, including the Burshtyn and Dobrotvir thermal power plants in western Ukraine.

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, reported significant damage to its thermal power plants, marking Moscow’s 220th attack on thermal generation facilities since the invasion began. The company warned of a substantial loss of electricity, further straining the country’s already battered energy system.

In Kyiv, where the impact was most severe, residents were warned to expect only one-and-a-half to two hours of electricity per day. Attacks were reported across the country, affecting western regions such as Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv oblasts.

Ukraine’s Air Force stated that 13 Russian missiles and 21 Shahed-type drones targeted 19 sites nationwide, with debris impacting three additional locations. As of February 7, emergency power outage schedules were implemented nationwide, with additional measures in eastern and northern regions.

Ukraine’s grid operator, Ukrenergo, sought emergency electricity assistance from Poland, though details were not disclosed. Energy workers were prepared to begin restoration efforts as soon as conditions allowed.

President Zelensky called on Ukraine’s allies to respond to the attack, emphasizing the need to prevent Russia from using winter as a weapon. He urged for the provision of missiles for air defense systems like Patriot and NASAMS.

Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing repeated blackouts. The latest strike coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war, with Moscow intensifying attacks on civilian energy infrastructure to pressure Kyiv in peace negotiations.

Ukrainian authorities have warned that the energy situation remains critical, with the Security Service of Ukraine labeling the continued targeting of civilian power facilities as crimes against humanity.