On the morning of October 16, 2026, a number of Ukrainian regions were left without electricity following a massive nighttime drone attack targeting energy infrastructure facilities. According to RBC-Ukraine, the impact of the strikes was recorded in Kyiv, Kyiv region, Volyn, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions. Ukrenergo introduced emergency power outages; previously published blackout schedules in the affected regions ceased to be valid. Where safety conditions permit, emergency recovery operations have already begun.
Scale of the Attack: 149 Drones, Including 108 Jet-Powered
On the night of October 16, Russia deployed 149 attack drones, 108 of which were jet-powered—meaning they were equipped with turboprop or turbojet engines, providing them with significantly greater flight range and speed compared to conventional gasoline-engine apparatuses. The main blow targeted the western regions of Ukraine: the consequences of the attack were recorded in Volyn, Rivne, and Ternopil regions. According to available data, industrial and civil infrastructure suffered significant damage. In Rivne, according to local authorities, seven people were injured. In Chortkiv, as reported by the mayor, a foreign-owned enterprise was completely destroyed.
Kyiv and Kyiv Region: Emergency Outages by Operator Command
Emergency power outages were introduced in the capital on the morning of October 16. According to DTEK, the cause was nighttime attacks on energy facilities. Outages in Kyiv and the Kyiv region were applied by order of Ukrenergo and remain in effect from midnight until the situation in the power grid stabilizes. Previously published hourly outage schedules in these regions are currently invalid. Power engineers are working to restore stable power supply; emergency outages will be lifted once grid parameters normalize.
Volyn: Lutsk Completely Blacked Out, Kovel Left Without Water
The most severe situation developed in Volyn region. As a result of nighttime jet drone strikes, Lutsk was completely blacked out; municipal utility services in the city are operating on backup power sources. Blackouts were also recorded in Kovel and surrounding villages due to attacks on energy infrastructure. Furthermore, Kovel was left without water supply: the pumping station supplying water to the city was de-energized. Where safety conditions allow, emergency restoration work has already started.
Odesa Region and Other Regions
In Odesa region, Russia attacked a DTEK energy facility, leaving part of the region without electricity. Repair work is ongoing, though restoring damaged equipment takes time. Emergency outages are also in effect in Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions. Ukrenergo reminds citizens that the situation in the power system may change and recommends monitoring updates from regional power distribution system operators. The company urges those who currently have electricity to consume it sparingly.
Restoration Works and Recommendations for the Population
Emergency restoration work has commenced in areas where safety conditions permit. Ukrenergo and DTEK repair crews are working around the clock to restore damaged equipment. Emergency outages will be canceled once the situation in the power system stabilizes. The operator recommends that the public follow safety rules during air raids and monitor official announcements from local authorities and energy companies. Previously published hourly outage schedules in regions under emergency mode remain invalid until the situation normalizes.
