Ukraine energy infrastructure attacks leave 500,000 without power

Heavy attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have caused massive power outages, affecting more than 500,000 people across several regions. The Ministry of Energy reported that the affected areas include Zhytomyr, Volyn, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, and Rivne.

Utility providers have begun emergency and restoration efforts, though ongoing attacks are complicating these operations. To maintain grid stability and prevent larger failures, authorities have planned hourly power shutdowns and capacity limitations for industrial users and businesses.

The attacks on the energy sector are part of a sustained campaign during the colder months, which officials note is particularly impactful due to a shortage of air defense missiles to intercept incoming strikes.