Russia strikes power plants, forcing Ukraine to tighten blackout schedules nationwide

Russia carried out its eighth massive missile and drone strike on Ukraine’s energy system since the beginning of the year during the night and morning of December 6, the transmission system operator Ukrenergo reported.

The attack caused severe damage to thermal power plants, including facilities operated by DTEK, as well as to electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure in several regions.

Emergency repairs are under way at all affected sites where security conditions allow.

As a result of the large-scale strike, electricity consumption limits had to be significantly increased.

Hourly outage schedules of 2.5–3 groups at a time are now in effect across all regions of Ukraine, whereas earlier, much milder restrictions of 0.5–2.5 groups were expected.

In addition, daytime power-limitation schedules for industry and businesses are being applied nationwide.

Ukrenergo urged consumers to minimize the use of high-power electrical appliances.

• According to the military, Russia launched 51 missiles and 653 UAVs of various types during the attack. Air defenses intercepted 585 drones and 30 missiles. Thirty missile and 60 attack-drone strikes were recorded at 29 locations, with debris falling in three more areas.