### Ukrainian Strikes Cause Major Blackouts in Russian-Occupied Donetsk Region Recent Ukrainian military operations have targeted critical energy infrastructure in the Russian-controlled Donetsk People's Republic, leading to significant power outages across the region. On November 18, 2025, Ukrainian strikes damaged two thermal power plants, resulting in a blackout affecting nearly two-thirds of energy customers in the area. The attacks have been described as "unprecedented" by local authorities, highlighting the ongoing conflict's impact on civilian infrastructure and daily life in occupied territories. - Ukrainian strikes hit two thermal power plants in Donetsk, causing widespread blackouts [https://www.rt.com/russia/627970-ukrainian-attack-blackout-russian-region]. - The attacks left many settlements without electricity, with reports indicating that 65% of customers were affected [https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/ukrainian-strikes-leave-majority-of-occupied-donetsk-without-power-for-second-night-proxy-leader-says]. - Local officials noted that the strikes also impacted water filtration plants and heating systems, exacerbating the humanitarian situation [https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/ukrainian-strikes-leave-majority-of-occupied-donetsk-without-power-for-second-night-proxy-leader-says]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Its Implications 1. **Nature of the Attacks**: - Ukrainian forces targeted the Zuivska and Starobeshivska thermal power plants, crucial for energy supply in the region [https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/attack-on-donetsk-thermal-power-plants-causes-power-outages]. - The strikes occurred overnight, indicating a strategic approach to disrupt energy supplies during low visibility. 2. **Impact on Civilians**: - Approximately 65% of energy customers in the occupied Donetsk region were left without power, affecting daily life and essential services [https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/ukrainian-strikes-leave-majority-of-occupied-donetsk-without-power-for-second-night-proxy-leader-says]. - The loss of electricity also led to potential rolling blackouts and disruptions in water supply and heating, further straining the local population [https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/ukrainian-strikes-leave-majority-of-occupied-donetsk-without-power-for-second-night-proxy-leader-says]. 3. **Official Responses**: - Denis Pushilin, the Kremlin-installed head of the Donetsk region, condemned the attacks as "unprecedented" and expressed concerns over the humanitarian impact [https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/ukrainian-strikes-leave-majority-of-occupied-donetsk-without-power-for-second-night-proxy-leader-says]. - Local authorities are likely to face increased pressure to restore services amid ongoing military actions. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Extent of Power Outages**: - 65% of energy customers in occupied Donetsk without power [https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/ukrainian-strikes-leave-majority-of-occupied-donetsk-without-power-for-second-night-proxy-leader-says]. - Damage to two major thermal power plants: Zuivska and Starobeshivska [https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/attack-on-donetsk-thermal-power-plants-causes-power-outages]. - **Broader Context**: - The attacks are part of a larger pattern of military engagements affecting energy infrastructure across Ukraine, with previous strikes reported in regions like Odesa and Chernihiv [https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/russian-strike-causes-partial-blackout-in-odesa-region-energy-facility, https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russian-strike-knocks-out-power-in-part-of-1763211394.html]. ### Conclusion: The Ongoing Energy Crisis in Conflict Zones The recent Ukrainian strikes on thermal power plants in Donetsk have resulted in significant power outages, affecting a large portion of the civilian population. The situation underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by military actions targeting critical infrastructure. 1. **Major Findings**: - Ukrainian strikes have left 65% of energy customers in occupied Donetsk without power. - The attacks have disrupted essential services, including water and heating. 2. **Implications for Civilians**: - The humanitarian impact is severe, with potential rolling blackouts and loss of essential services. 3. **Future Considerations**: - Continued military actions may further destabilize the region's energy infrastructure, leading to increased humanitarian needs [https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/ukrainian-strikes-leave-majority-of-occupied-donetsk-without-power-for-second-night-proxy-leader-says].