Major Power Grid Failure Disrupts Electricity Across Ukraine and Moldova

Widespread Blackouts Hit Ukraine and Moldova After Grid Failure

According to Главком: A major failure in the shared power grid of Ukraine and Moldova occurred between January 24 and 31, 2026, causing widespread electricity outages. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting with government officials to receive reports on the crisis. The blackouts across large parts of both nations were triggered by technical issues on the high-voltage transmission lines connecting their energy systems. Intensive repair efforts are currently underway to stabilize the power network. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges to energy security in the region, which has faced repeated attacks on its infrastructure.

During the meeting chaired by the president, reports on the emergency were delivered by:

• First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko
• Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal

Emergency power cuts were imposed on January 24 in the regions of Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk, as well as in the Ukrainian capital itself. As a result, the Kyiv metro temporarily suspended passenger services due to critically low voltage levels. At the time of reporting, 253 apartment buildings in Kyiv remained without heating.

Moldova's Situation

On January 31, 2026, at 10:42 AM, the Republic of Moldova experienced a nationwide blackout. Moldova's Minister of Energy, Dorin Jughielu, officially confirmed the systemic failure, noting it also impacted the situation in Ukraine. Serhiy Kovalenko, CEO of the energy supplier Yasno, addressed consumer concerns after temporary outage schedules were introduced in Kyiv. While some Ukrainian regions still have above-freezing temperatures, severe frosts are forecasted soon, which is expected to further complicate the energy supply situation.

Reports were received regarding the emergency situation in Ukraine's energy system due to technical reasons on the lines between our country's power grid and Moldova's. All necessary response measures at the level of the Ukrainian energy system are in place, and restoration work is ongoing. The task is to stabilize the situation in the nearest future.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

In connection with these events, an additional 125 residential buildings were reconnected to the heating supply this morning, though 253 multi-story buildings remain without heat.

The electricity supply situation in Ukraine and Moldova remains difficult, and the governments of both countries continue to take measures to restore stability to the energy system.

This power grid failure underscores the vulnerability of both nations' infrastructure to technical challenges. Amid growing energy demand and the approaching cold spell, the importance of a stable power supply becomes even more critical. The ongoing restoration work is vital for maintaining city services and preventing further social consequences linked to interruptions in heating.