Russia Launches the Largest Attack of the Year, Triggering Nationwide Emergency Blackouts in Ukraine

In the early hours of February 7, Russia launched its largest air assault on Ukraine so far in 2026, firing a total of 447 aerial targets, including missiles and drones, at critical energy infrastructure across western regions.

Key power facilities, including the Burshtyn and Dobrotvir thermal power plants, sustained damage during the coordinated overnight strike.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the assault involved strategic bombers—Tu-95MS, Tu-160, and Tu-22M3—and multiple types of cruise missiles, such as Kalibr and Kh-101.

The wave of attacks included two Zircon missiles launched from occupied Crimea, 21 Kh-101 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea, 16 Kalibr missiles from the Black Sea, and approximately 408 attack drones of various types—including Shahed, Geran, and Italmas—with around 250 identified as Shahed drones.

Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that high-voltage lines operating at 750 kV and 330 kV—critical to Ukraine’s national grid—were hit, alongside the two thermal power plants.

“As of now, between 4.5 and 5 stages of emergency power outages have been implemented across the country,” Shmyhal said. He added that nuclear power stations had temporarily reduced output to maintain grid stability.

In response to the scale of the disruption, Ukraine’s energy operator Ukrenergo submitted an emergency request for electricity imports from Poland.

Explosions were reported in several cities, including Burshtyn (Ivano-Frankivsk region), Vinnytsia, Rivne, and Lviv. In Vinnytsia, a missile strike damaged a university building and nearby dormitories, breaking more than 150 windows and destroying part of the heating system.

In Kyiv region, a warehouse fire broke out in Yahotyn following a drone strike. Local officials said it affected the facilities of a confectionery factory. Additional damage was reported in Brovary district, where private homes and vehicles were hit.

In Rivne region, critical infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged, and two civilians were reportedly injured. Similar destruction was recorded in Khmelnytskyi region, where one person was hospitalized after a drone strike on a private home.

In the Lviv region, drones and missiles targeted energy infrastructure overnight. A fire broke out in the village of Staryi Dobrotvir, where a residential building was reportedly struck by a drone.

According to Ukrenergo, widespread emergency outages were applied nationwide. In eastern and northern regions, additional rotating blackouts were implemented due to the extent of the damage.

The attacks forced delays in rail services across western Ukraine, particularly in Ivano-Frankivsk, where local authorities advised residents to stock up on water in anticipation of prolonged power disruptions.

Earlier, Russian drones struck multiple districts of Kyiv, injuring two elderly women and damaging residential buildings, a kindergarten, and an office complex, according to the National Police of Ukraine.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters work on the frontlines to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support helps them keep reporting.

SUPPORT FRONTLINE REPORTS