Finance
Ukraine's grid operator says energy situation has 'significantly' worsened
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 23, 2026
Tags:infrastructure
Quick Summary
Ukraine's energy crisis worsens as Russian strikes cause severe damage, leading to widespread power outages and urgent infrastructure repairs.
Ukraine's Energy Crisis Deepens Amid Increased Russian Attacks
Impact of Recent Russian Strikes on Ukraine's Energy
KYIV, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Ukraine's energy situation had "significantly" worsened on Friday morning after recent Russian air attacks, triggering emergency power outages in most regions, Kyiv's grid operator said.
The dire assessment followed a remark by Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal on Thursday that the country's energy system had endured its most difficult day since a widespread blackout in November 2022, when Russia began attacking the power grid.
Moscow has stepped up strikes in recent weeks, further damaging already battered infrastructure and leaving large swathes of the population without power and heating during a cold snap.
Emergency Power Outages
Several power generation facilities are undergoing emergency repairs as a result of the combined attacks, Ukrenergo said on the Telegram messaging app.
Infrastructure Damage and Repairs
"The equipment is operating at the limits of its capabilities," it said, adding that power blocks were carrying a "tremendous" overload due to earlier damage from Russian strikes.
Government Response
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared an energy emergency last week.
Ukrenergo said it hoped repairs would be completed in "the near future", which would enable a return to planned outages.
(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Writing by Dan Peleschuk and Anna Pruchnicka; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
Key Takeaways
- •Ukraine's energy situation has worsened due to Russian air attacks.
- •Emergency power outages are affecting most regions.
- •Infrastructure is heavily damaged, requiring urgent repairs.
- •Energy Minister highlights the severity of the current crisis.
- •Repairs are underway to restore planned outages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ukraine's grid operator says energy situation has 'significantly' worsened
1What are emergency power outages?
Emergency power outages are temporary interruptions in electricity supply, typically implemented to prevent damage to the power grid during crises, such as severe weather or attacks on infrastructure.
2What is a blackout?
A blackout is a complete loss of electrical power in a specific area. It can occur due to various reasons, including equipment failure, severe weather, or deliberate actions like attacks on power infrastructure.
