Russia attacks Ukraine power grid with drones and missiles, causing mass blackouts as peace talks continue in Berlin and winter energy risks deepen.
Russia Attacks Ukraine Power Grid Amid Berlin Peace Talks and Winter Energy Crisis
TheInterviewTimes.com | December 15, 2025, 08:05 IST: Russia attacks Ukraine power grid at an unprecedented scale, intensifying pressure on Kyiv even as peace negotiations continue in Berlin involving the United States and key European powers. Over the past week, Russia launched more than 1,500 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and 46 missiles, severely damaging energy infrastructure and leaving over one million households without electricity, water, or heating across southern, eastern, and northeastern Ukraine, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strikes as some of the most severe energy-focused attacks since the war began, accusing Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure to deepen humanitarian suffering as winter sets in. The escalation unfolded while Ukrainian officials were engaged in high-level diplomatic talks aimed at exploring a possible pathway toward de-escalation.
Odesa and Southern Regions Bear the Brunt
The Black Sea port city of Odesa witnessed one of the heaviest overnight assaults of the war from Friday into Saturday. Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed that energy facilities, industrial zones, and port infrastructure were hit, triggering fires and widespread power outages.
Beyond Odesa, the regions of Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Chernihiv reported extensive damage. Local administrations said thousands of families were left without electricity, heating, and running water, forcing emergency repair crews to work around the clock under difficult security conditions.
Ukraine’s navy also reported that a Russian drone struck the Turkish-flagged cargo vessel Viva in the Black Sea while it was transporting sunflower oil. The crew was not injured, and the ship continued its journey, but the incident raised renewed concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes in the region.
Russia Attacks Ukraine Power Grid Near Nuclear Facility
One of the most alarming developments came from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which remains under Russian control. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the plant lost its external power supply for the 12th time due to grid damage caused by nearby strikes.
Although backup systems were activated and power was later restored, repeated outages since 2022 have heightened international safety concerns. The IAEA stated that while no radiation leaks were reported, the continued instability underscores the risks posed by sustained military operations near nuclear infrastructure.
Energy experts warn that repeated disruptions to external power lines significantly increase operational risks at nuclear facilities, particularly during winter when energy demand peaks.
Ukraine Responds by Targeting Russian Energy Assets
As Russia attacks Ukraine power grid, Kyiv has intensified its own long-range drone campaign against Russian fuel and logistics sites. Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Afipsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, an oil depot in Uryupinsk, Volgograd Oblast, and multiple fuel facilities in Russian-occupied Crimea, igniting fires and disrupting supply chains.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed it intercepted 235 Ukrainian drones, though it acknowledged damage in several regions. In Belgorod, authorities reported injuries and property destruction following drone impacts.
Ukrainian officials argue that targeting oil refineries and depots is aimed at reducing Russia’s ability to sustain military operations, particularly its missile and drone production capabilities.
Peace Talks Overshadowed by Escalation
The timing of the strikes has drawn sharp criticism from Kyiv and its allies. The attacks coincided with Berlin peace talks, where U.S. envoys and European leaders met Ukrainian representatives to assess diplomatic options and security guarantees.
Despite these efforts, officials on both sides indicated that no ceasefire breakthrough has been achieved. Analysts say the escalation signals Moscow’s intent to strengthen its negotiating position through military pressure rather than compromise.
Ukraine has renewed calls for advanced air defense systems, faster weapons deliveries, and tighter sanctions on Russian energy exports, arguing that protecting the power grid has become a central battlefield of the war.
Russia Attacks Ukraine Power Grid: Key Takeaways
- Russia attacks Ukraine power grid at a massive scale, deepening civilian suffering during winter.
- Over one million households faced blackouts as drones and missiles targeted energy infrastructure.
- The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant again lost external power, raising safety concerns.
- Ukraine retaliated by striking Russian oil and fuel facilities.
- Peace talks continue, but escalating energy warfare threatens diplomatic progress.