Major Russian attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure leaves Kyiv without water
A major Russian attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure from the night of November 3 caused emergency power cuts across several regions and temporarily halted water supply in Kyiv. Major Kyivvodokanal facilities were left without power, while damage also disrupted public transport. Energy workers and utility specialists began restoring critical systems overnight.
Key points
- Russian forces conducted more than 20 targeted strikes against energy facilities over the preceding day
- The attack affected energy infrastructure in 10 Ukrainian regions, with major targets in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Vinnytsia and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts
- Three DTEK thermal power plants were struck with dozens of missiles and drones and ceased generating electricity
- Emergency electricity cuts were imposed in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
- Main Kyivvodokanal facilities lost power, temporarily stopping water supply in Kyiv
- At 16:45 on November 3, emergency electricity cuts remained in effect in several regions, including Kyiv
- Trams and trolleybuses stopped running in Kyiv from the evening of November 3, with buses replacing some routes
Why it matters
The attack caused significant damage to Ukraine's power system and forced emergency electricity cuts across multiple regions. In Kyiv, the loss of power at major water facilities left the capital temporarily without water, while electricity restrictions disrupted tram, trolleybus and other public transport services. Restoring these services will take more than reconnecting electricity: water equipment must be restarted, the distribution network refilled and pressure stabilized.
What happened
From the night of November 3, Russia carried out one of its largest attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. During the preceding day, Russian forces conducted more than 20 targeted attacks on energy facilities, causing significant damage. Three DTEK thermal power plants were struck with dozens of missiles and drones and stopped generating electricity, while the attack affected energy infrastructure in 10 regions. Emergency power cuts were imposed in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and outages remained in effect across several regions at 16:45.
In Kyiv, damage to the regional power grid led to emergency electricity restrictions and disrupted public transport. From the evening, tram and trolleybus services were suspended, with buses replacing some routes. The metro continued operating normally, subject to the state of the power system.
The loss of electricity at major Kyivvodokanal facilities also caused water supply across the capital to be temporarily stopped. Specialists and energy workers began restoring electricity and water services overnight, prioritizing critical infrastructure. Even after electricity returns, operators need time to restart the water system, refill the pipes and stabilize pressure.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting focuses on the immediate domestic effects: damage to generation and grid infrastructure, emergency electricity cuts, disruption of public transport and the temporary loss of water in Kyiv. Coverage also highlights the response by Ukrenergo, energy workers and Kyivvodokanal, including restoration priorities and the expected time required to restore water services. The attack is presented as part of the broader campaign against Ukraine's energy sector and alongside United Nations findings on attacks against energy infrastructure.
How international sources describe it
An independent United Nations commission of inquiry concluded that attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are deliberate and form part of a policy of depriving civilians of essential energy resources to provoke discontent. Volodymyr Putin and the Russian military leadership have repeatedly said that Russian forces deliberately target Ukrainian energy facilities.
Background
Russian forces began a campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure in late September 2026, ahead of the heating season. Air Force data recorded missile and attack-drone impacts at 23 locations, while debris from downed aerial targets was found at 14 additional locations. The United Nations inquiry also cited the attacks as grounds for allegations of crimes against humanity.