---
title: "Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro Under Attack: Expert Evaluates Energy System State"
description: "Energy Research Center Director Oleksandr Kharchenko discussed the energy situation in Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro, winter threats, and the consequences of losing local generation."
date: 2026-10-11T07:02:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/kyiv-odesa-dnipro-energy-harchenko
tags: [ukraine-energy, kiev, blackout, infrastructure, russia-war]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro Under Attack: Expert Evaluates Energy System State

![Energy infrastructure under attack in Kyiv and regions](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/11/kiev-odesa-dnepr-energetika-harchenko/kiev-odesa-dnepr-energetika-harchenko-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Kyiv lost its 1.3 GW internal generation capacity in January.
- The enemy purposefully targets substations of the Kyiv energy ring.
- Winter power limits of 6-8 hours a day are possible under a pessimistic scenario.
- Critical infrastructure is provided with backup power.

October 2026 brought new challenges to Ukraine's energy sector. The capital has faced power outages, transport issues, and temporary water supply disruptions. However, the enemy is targeting not only Kyiv but also the energy hubs of the Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions, creating serious risks for the stability of the entire energy system.

### Vulnerability of Kyiv Energy Hub and Consequences of Losing Internal Generation

Oleksandr Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Research Center, noted in an interview that the current situation differs significantly from previous years. Previous winters were managed largely due to Kyiv's own generation capacity of about 1.3 GW, which fully covered the city's needs. However, in January, these facilities were physically destroyed by ballistic missile strikes. Now the capital depends on external supplies, receiving 12% to 15% of total national consumption.

### Strike Tactics and Critical Infrastructure Protection

Over the past six weeks, intensive strikes have been recorded on the northern and western parts of the Kyiv energy ring. Key substations were damaged, leading to disruptions in the metro and water utility facilities. Nevertheless, city authorities managed to prepare backup power for critical infrastructure, avoiding a catastrophic scenario and keeping the situation under control.

### Pessimistic Scenario and Winter Readiness

The expert emphasizes that Ukrainians have grown accustomed to a high level of power supply comfort even amidst war. In the event of new massive shelling and winter freezes, periods with electricity available for only 6-8 hours a day are possible. However, emergency services quickly repair damage, and the resilience plan continues to prove its effectiveness.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Киев, Одесса и Днепр – цель вражеских ударов по энергетике: блиц с Харченко](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/kiyiv-odesa-ta-dnipro-tsil-vorozhih-udariv-1791650826.html) - Первичный материал интервью с директором Центра исследования энергетики Александром Харченко.
- [РФ будет бить по подстанциям и распределительным узлам, чтобы обесточить Киев - эксперт](https://strana.news/news/513545-kiev-i-odessa-ujazvimy-k-udaram-po-enerhetike.html) - Подтверждает тактику ударов по подстанциям киевского кольца.
- [Россия изменила фокус ударов по энергетике: какой опасный сценарий готовит враг](https://glavred.info/energy/rossiya-izmenila-fokus-udarov-po-energetike-kakoy-opasnyy-scenariy-gotovit-vrag-10801244.html) - Контекст изменения фокуса обстрелов украинской энергосистемы.
- [ЛЭП стали новой целью РФ: Харченко раскрыл, чего на самом деле добиваются россияне](https://glavred.info/energy/lep-stali-novoyu-cillyu-rf-harchenko-rozkriv-chogo-naspravdi-domagayutsya-rosiyani-10800659.html) - Контекст изменения фокуса обстрелов украинской энергосистемы.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Why has Kyiv become vulnerable to power outages?
**A:** In January, the city's own generation of about 1.3 GW was completely destroyed, and the capital now fully depends on external flows.

### Q: How many hours might power be off during severe frosts under the worst scenario?
**A:** According to the expert, during peak frosts and new attacks, electricity could be supplied for 6-8 hours a day.