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Massive drone attack on New Year's Eve: how Volyn and other regions were left without electricity

Масштабна атака безпілотників у новорічну ніч: як Волинь та інші області опинилися без світла

Drone Attack on Ukraine on New Year's Eve 2026

On New Year's Eve 2026, Ukraine suffered a massive drone attack from Russia, which affected the energy systems of western regions, including Volyn, and caused electricity supply disruptions in several cities. The attack, which occurred on January 1st, became one of the largest in recent times, with Russia launching over 200 strike drones.

Consequences of the Attack

The primary target of the attack was Volyn, where the cities of Lutsk and Kovel suffered the most. As a result of hostile actions, over 100 thousand subscribers were left without electricity. In Kovel, due to power outages, water supply schedules were introduced, which significantly complicated the lives of local residents. Also, starting at 6 AM on January 1st, electricity supply schedules began in Lviv in response to the consequences of the attack.

On the night of January 1st, the enemy used 205 drones, of which 176 were destroyed by air defense forces. There were 24 hits recorded at 15 different locations, indicating the significant scale of the attacks. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky noted that

“the targets are our energy”
and expressed gratitude to all the warriors who repelled this attack, emphasizing that most drones were shot down. At the same time, he stressed that if the strikes do not stop even during the New Year holidays, the supply of air defense must not be delayed.

In addition to Volyn, the attack also affected other regions, including a two-story building in Odesa that was damaged, and a drone flew into an apartment. Damage to substations in Volyn impacted the electricity supply of neighboring regions, further complicating the situation. Large-scale fires in the Volyn region became an additional problem caused by hostile strikes. This attack vividly demonstrated how important the stability of energy infrastructure is during wartime.

This news highlights not only the current threat from Russia but also the importance of protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The attack on energy systems on New Year's Eve symbolizes an attempt to destabilize the country at a critical moment. Responses from Ukrainian military forces indicate readiness to confront such threats, however, the situation requires constant attention to strengthening air defense systems and ensuring energy security. It also draws attention to the need for international support for Ukraine in its fight for stability and independence.