Russian missile strikes cut power to over a million homes in Kyiv

• Massive Russian missile strikes leave over a million homes in Kyiv without power.

Russian forces carried out a large-scale attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure on Saturday, 27 December 2025, cutting electricity to more than a million homes in Kyiv and its surrounding region, according to Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, DTEK. Emergency crews are working to restore power amid continued air raids. 

Reuters and other reporting indicate that the strikes, which involved a heavy barrage of missiles and drones, targeted not only energy facilities but also civilian and infrastructure sites across Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine. 

Widespread outages and emergency measures

The Russian attacks have left significant parts of Kyiv without heat or electricity, especially on the left bank of the city, where emergency power cuts were introduced following damage to electrical infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that almost one-third of the capital is now without heating in freezing winter conditions. 

State-owned energy operator Ukrenergo reported that users in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and neighboring Chernihiv region were disconnected from power due to strikes on the energy grid. Emergency power outages remain in place as workers begin repair operations when the security situation allows. 

Restoration efforts underway

Despite the scale of the damage, some progress has been made. Energy workers restored power to about 50,000 households in the Kyiv region by Saturday evening, though many areas remain without electricity. DTEK said that crews are working around the clock to restore service as conditions permit. 

Impact on civilians amid ongoing conflict

The strikes occurred as Ukraine faces a harsh winter and ongoing conflict with Russia. Reports from multiple outlets describe fires, explosions, and injuries as parts of the capital were hit. Air-raid alerts sounded during the attacks, and emergency services continue to respond to damage in residential districts. 

Ukrainian officials have linked the timing of the attacks to broader geopolitical events, including planned diplomatic discussions with the United States. 

Broader context of energy infrastructure targeting
This latest assault is part of a pattern of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid that have repeatedly disrupted power and heating across the country. Previous attacks earlier in December and October similarly targeted key facilities, forcing scheduled outages and repairs under difficult conditions.