Russia strikes six major substations across four Ukrainian regions, injuring at least 14
Russian forces attacked six large electrical substations overnight across Ukraine's Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr and Cherkasy regions. The strikes disrupted power transmission and heating, damaged railway and civilian infrastructure, and injured at least 14 people, who received medical assistance.
Key points
- Six large substations were attacked in Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr and Cherkasy regions on November 11
- Transmission lines of different voltage classes were damaged in Kirovohrad and Rivne regions
- A heat supply enterprise in Kryvyi Rih was damaged, disrupting heating for residential buildings
- Railway infrastructure was attacked in Dnipropetrovsk and Zhytomyr regions
- A school building in Kherson region and five apartment buildings in Kharkiv were damaged
- At least 14 people were injured and received medical assistance
- Ukraine reported 163 strike drones, one Kh-59/69 missile and S8000 Shahed-style drones launched overnight
Why it matters
The attacks directly disrupted electricity transmission and heat delivery in central and southern regions during the winter heating season. Damage extended beyond the energy sector to railways, a school and residential buildings, while at least 14 people were injured. Emergency power restrictions and restoration work were required as attacks on Ukraine's energy system continued.
What happened
Russian forces launched a major overnight attack on six large electrical substations in the Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr and Cherkasy regions. Transmission lines were damaged in Kirovohrad and Rivne, and a heat supply enterprise in Kryvyi Rih was hit, disrupting heating for residential buildings. Energy workers were restoring heat supply in the city. Railway infrastructure was also attacked in Dnipropetrovsk and Zhytomyr regions. A school building was damaged by an aerial bomb in Kherson region, while five apartment buildings were damaged in Kharkiv. Five people were reported injured in Zhytomyr region, including police officers struck during a follow-up attack; at least 14 people were injured nationwide by 10:00 and received medical assistance. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia used one Kh-59/69 cruise missile, 163 strike drones and S8000 Shahed-type drones, while air defenses reportedly neutralized 14 S8000 drones and 130 other drones.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting emphasizes the geographic reach of the attacks and their effects on critical infrastructure, residents and public services. Reports highlight damage to substations, transmission lines, heating facilities, railways, a school and apartment buildings, along with heating disruptions in Kryvyi Rih, emergency electricity restrictions in Kharkiv region and restoration efforts. Official statements provide detailed information on affected locations, damaged facilities and the scale of the Russian air attack.
Background
Russia began a campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure in late September 2026, following attacks on power plants and transmission and distribution substations. Earlier strikes in October and November damaged substations and thermal power plants and caused wider power outages. The United Nations Independent International Commission of Investigation of Crimes Committed by Russia against Ukraine characterized attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities as part of a policy of depriving civilians of essential resources. During the severe winter of 2025–2026, residents had already experienced prolonged interruptions to heating, electricity and water.