Kyiv and much of Ukraine lose power, Moldova also affected
Photo: Emergency power outage in Ukraine (Getty Images)
On the morning of January 31, Kyiv and a significant portion of Ukraine suddenly lost power. The blackout also affected parts of Moldova.
RBC has compiled the latest information on the situation and areas currently experiencing power outages.
What happened
On the morning of Saturday, January 31, electricity in Kyiv abruptly went out, causing disruptions to heating and water supply. Reports of emergency outages quickly followed in other regions of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Energy explained that the outages were triggered by emergency disconnections ordered by NEK Ukrenergo. Officially, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Kharkiv regions were affected.
Energy officials reassured residents that the situation should stabilize quickly.
"According to experts, electricity supply will be restored within the next 2-3 hours," the ministry said.
Cause of the blackout
The large-scale disruption was caused by a technical failure at 10:42 a.m. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that two major transmission lines tripped simultaneously:
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The 400 kV line connecting the power systems of Romania and Moldova
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The 750 kV line between western and central Ukraine
This triggered cascading outages in the network and activated automatic protection systems at substations. Nuclear power plant units were temporarily unloaded as a precaution.
"Ukrenergo specialists are working to restore electricity. Power will be back within a few hours," Shmyhal said.
Kyiv hit hardest: transport and water disrupted
The capital experienced the heaviest impact. Kyiv’s metro service stopped completely, although subway stations remain open as shelters. Surface electric transport also halted.
The Kyiv City Express commuter trains were temporarily suspended but have resumed service.
Water supply across the city has stopped as pumping stations lost power. Residents also report interruptions to heating.
Kharkiv metro also halted
In Kharkiv, the metro and electric transport were completely suspended due to low voltage. Emergency power cuts were introduced across the city and region to protect the energy system.
Water supply disruptions in other regions
The blackout affected water supply in multiple cities:
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Vinnytsia: Entire city without water due to a full outage at the water utility.
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Zhytomyr: Pumping stations halted; backup power is being used to restore water supply.
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Chernihiv: Water and heating pumping stations switched to generators; electric transport stopped.
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Poltava: Emergency cuts introduced; some areas may experience water shortages or low pressure.
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Konotop (Sumy region): Water supply rationed due to energy deficit.
Railway service
Rail traffic experienced minor disruptions due to external power cuts. Ukrzaliznytsia reports the situation has stabilized. Commuter trains are running with minimal delays.
Other regions affected
Emergency power cuts were also implemented in Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Khmelnytsky regions. Energy specialists are working to restore electricity and stabilize the system.
Blackout spreads to Moldova
The large-scale disruption affected neighboring Moldova. Some towns lost power, including Chișinău and surrounding suburbs (Stăuceni, Durlești, Vatra), as well as Taraclia, Cahul, and Noi Aneni.
Moldovan officials say the blackout was caused by the situation in Ukraine.
“Due to serious issues in Ukraine’s power grid on the morning of January 31, voltage dropped on the 400 kV Isaccea-Vulcănești line, causing emergency disconnection of the electricity system,” said Moldova’s Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu.
The local operator, Moldelectrica, is working to restore power.
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