Ukraine imposes daily power cuts after infrastructure damage

Ukraine's Energy Ministry has announced stringent nationwide restrictions on electricity usage, implementing scheduled daily power outages across all regions. The decision comes as a direct response to what officials describe as critical damage to the country's power generation and distribution infrastructure, severely compromising the stability of the national grid.

Scheduled Outage Hours

The state-owned grid operator, Ukrenergo, has specified that these rolling blackouts will be in effect from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm local time. This eight-hour window of controlled power cuts is deemed necessary to prevent a complete collapse of the energy system and to manage the limited available supply.

Minister Acknowledges Crisis

Ukrainian Energy Minister Svetlana Grinchuk has publicly characterized the situation as "extremely challenging." The ministry's statement confirmed that extensive damage has been inflicted on electrical grids and other key utility facilities, creating a severe energy deficit that necessitates these emergency measures.

Context of Widespread Blackouts

This official policy follows reports of widespread and prolonged blackouts that began affecting multiple regions, including the capital city of Kyiv, earlier in the month. Subsequent attacks have caused additional damage to vital energy facilities, forcing authorities to move from emergency responses to a structured schedule of rotational power cuts for the foreseeable future.