Russia damaged 28 substations across Ukraine overnight, in addition to other unspecified “important energy facilities,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday afternoon.
Earlier reports estimate that at least 16 Russian ballistic missiles and 269 drones were launched across Ukraine, leading to blackouts for over 550,000 households nationwide.
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“Unfortunately, 28 substations and other critical energy facilities were hit,” Zelensky wrote, adding that repairs are ongoing.
“Restoration work is underway everywhere, and electricity is gradually being restored to people. I am grateful to every repair crew and everyone working for energy companies,” he added.
The Ukrainian president said earlier on Monday that over 10 unspecified energy infrastructure facilities were damaged overnight.
In his earlier remarks, Zelensky also said that Kyiv was not forewarned of the missile launches, despite his weekend remarks and Washington’s claims that US intelligence to Kyiv had been restored.
The overnight attacks, which targeted 11 Ukrainian regions from east to west, also struck energy facilities in western Ukraine.
Top Ukrainian officials have warned of Russian plans to cripple Ukraine’s energy grid this winter to force Kyiv into capitulation.
In September, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said Kyiv has obtained two extensive Russian documents outlining planned attacks on electricity generation, heating, water supply, sewage systems and other critical energy infrastructure.
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He said Russia also plans to target facilities that allow Ukraine to import energy from Europe.
The leaked documents, later reported by the New York Times, suggest Moscow plans to cut electricity supplies to these cities by 90 percent, reduce heating supplies by 90 percent, and severely disrupt sewer operations.
Locals interviewed by Kyiv Post confirmed varying blackouts since mid-October, adding that water disruptions rank among their main winter concerns.
Zelensky added on Thursday that Kyiv’s prime minister is “preparing infrastructure for the heating season,” though he did not specify the measures in place.
The Ukrainian leader also confirmed that Kyiv’s access to US Starshield military communication satellites is restricted as Washington seeks to pressure Kyiv over Russia’s invasion by signing energy deals with Moscow and offering sanctions relief.
“This is slowing down our frontline logistics and limiting the use of various types of drones, particularly mid-strike drones and interceptors of jet-powered ‘Shaheds,’” he wrote.
“This must be raised again with our partners at every level today – speed matters when it comes to protecting lives,” he added.
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