Russian attacks disrupt power in nine Ukrainian regions, injuring four energy workers
Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure caused power outages in nine regions on the morning of November 12. Four energy workers were injured in Poltava region, while more than 160 communities in Rivne region remained without electricity. Repair teams are working in intensified mode, but recurring air alerts are restricting operations.
Key points
- Power outages were recorded in nine regions: Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Rivne, Sumy, Kharkiv and Cherkasy.
- More than 160 communities in Rivne region remained without electricity after an overnight Russian strike.
- Four energy workers were injured in Poltava region.
- Hourly electricity outage schedules and industrial capacity restrictions were in effect in most affected regions.
- Repair teams are working in intensified mode, but recurring air alerts are hindering restoration work.
Why it matters
The attacks disrupted electricity supplies across much of Ukraine and left more than 160 communities in Rivne region without power. Hourly outages and industrial capacity restrictions affected most regions, while four energy workers were injured. The damage also places additional pressure on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of the heating season.
What happened
Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure caused consumer outages across nine regions by the morning of November 12. In Rivne region, more than 160 communities remained without electricity following an overnight strike. An attack in Poltava region injured four energy workers. Repairs are underway where security conditions permit, with crews operating in an intensified mode, although recurring air alerts complicate the work. Most affected regions have introduced hourly electricity cuts and capacity restrictions for industry.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting emphasizes the broad regional impact of the outages, injuries to energy workers, operational restrictions and the difficulties of carrying out repairs during recurring air alerts. The disruptions and casualties are directly attributed to Russian attacks, which are framed as part of a broader campaign against energy infrastructure affecting civilians.
How international sources describe it
International assessments characterize the attacks as deliberate and systematic. The United Nations commission concluded that they form part of a state policy of depriving civilians of essential energy resources, while the US Institute for the Study of War said they follow a Russian plan to undermine Ukraine’s energy security and disrupt civilian life.
Background
Russian forces began attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in late September 2026, ahead of the heating season. The independent international UN commission concluded that the attacks were deliberate and part of a state policy intended to deprive civilians of essential energy resources. The US Institute for the Study of War assessed that they followed a Russian plan to systematically strike electricity generation and transmission facilities.