October 15, 2025, Kyiv – Russia has launched overnight drone strikes targeting Ukraine’s power infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages in several regions, including the central Dnipropetrovsk area, according to Ukraine’s Energy Ministry. The Ukrenergo power grid operator reported limited electricity supplies in seven regions, most of which are located in the east of the country.
In addition to power disruptions, Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state-run gas company, confirmed that a thermal power plant had been hit by the attacks, although it did not specify which plant was affected. This is part of a broader pattern of Russian strikes aimed at undermining Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Increasing Attacks on Energy Infrastructure
Russia has significantly escalated its attacks on Ukraine’s energy system in recent weeks, focusing on both power plants and gas facilities. Naftogaz also reported that over the past week, Russia had struck gas facilities in several regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv, with some of the facilities being described as “critically important” for Ukraine’s energy supply.
In light of these ongoing strikes, Ukraine’s Energy Minister, Svitlana Hrynchuk, revealed earlier this month that Ukraine plans to increase its gas imports by 30% as a precautionary measure, seeking to bolster its energy resilience in the face of continued Russian bombardments on critical infrastructure.
Strategic Impact on Ukraine
The ongoing destruction of Ukraine’s energy network is not only causing immediate power shortages but is also straining the country’s ability to keep essential services running, especially as winter approaches. The Ukrainian government has been focusing on restoring and fortifying its energy grid, but the severity and frequency of Russian attacks are making these efforts increasingly difficult.
As the war grinds on, energy infrastructure remains a critical vulnerability for Ukraine, and the latest strikes underscore Russia’s strategic goal of undermining Ukraine’s capacity to function, particularly as it prepares for the colder months.
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