Newsletters
A technical malfunction in high-voltage transmission lines triggered widespread power outages across Ukraine and parts of Moldova on Saturday, disrupting electricity to millions and temporarily shutting down Kyiv's metro system.
The failure occurred simultaneously on a 400-kilovolt line connecting the power grids of Romania and Moldova and a 750-kilovolt line between western and central Ukraine, Energy Minister Denys Shmygal said on Telegram. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the incident as an "emergency."
Authorities restored power to most critical infrastructure in Kyiv by approximately 2:00 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), though Shmygal warned that Ukrainian households might face longer waits before service returned to residential areas.
The capital's metro system completely suspended operations due to the power cut, paralyzing transport for thousands of residents. The network, which serves around 800,000 passengers daily according to data published last year, resumed service several hours after the outage began.
The metro's 52 stations serve a dual purpose in Kyiv, functioning as bomb shelters during Russian attacks in addition to their transportation role.
Most of Chisinau, the Moldovan capital, temporarily lost power during the incident. Service was largely restored by 3:40 p.m. local time (1340 GMT), according to the Moldovan energy ministry.
Moldova produces its own electricity but also imports power, primarily from Romania and Ukraine, making it vulnerable to disruptions in the regional grid.
The technical failure adds pressure to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has been severely degraded by nearly four years of Russian attacks. Kyiv officials say this winter has been the most challenging yet, with strikes cutting power and heating to millions during sub-zero temperatures.
Russia has systematically targeted Ukrainian energy facilities throughout the invasion. The Kremlin said Friday it was refraining from attacks on Kyiv until Sunday following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, though it had bombarded Ukraine's energy grid for weeks prior.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
