Power Outages in Kyiv

Russia regularly targets Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Damage to power lines, substations, and generation facilities can create electricity shortages, which leads to controlled power outages.

Outages can be scheduled (planned, on a timetable) or emergency (unexpected, without warning). In cases of severe power shortages, a blackout may occur — when electricity goes out for an unknown period of time across the whole city or in certain districts.

The general recommendation during outages is to carry a power bank and a small flashlight, check outage schedules in advance, and be ready to adjust your plans for your own comfort and safety.

How to check outage schedules?

Scheduled outage times for a specific address can be checked on the website of Kyiv’s electricity provider DTEK or in the Kyiv Digital app under “City Services → Utilities → DTEK Power” (this section is available in Ukrainian only).

Emergency outages are unpredictable, but updates are also posted in the Kyiv Digital app and reported in news and social media.

How the city operates during power outages

After the first large-scale attacks on the energy system in 2022–2023, Kyiv largely adapted to living with outages. Many businesses installed generators, and residents learned how to keep essential devices running when the power is off.

However, during the winter of 2025–2026, Russian attacks on energy facilities became more frequent and more intense, which had a serious impact on daily life. In some districts, electricity, water, and heating may be unavailable for several days at a time.

In general, the situation looks like this:

• The metro and most ground public transport continue running, except for trams and trolleybuses — they may stop if an entire district loses power;
• Most shops, restaurants, shopping malls, pharmacies, gyms, and gas stations stay open, but indoor spaces may be cold. In some malls, food courts do not operate without electricity.
• Most places accept card payments, but it’s smart to carry some cash just in case;
• Hotels and hostels usually have generators, allowing basic services to continue;
• Mobile service and internet may be unstable. When possible, use Ukrainian mobile operators — Vodafone, Kyivstar, or lifecell — as they have priority access to backup power.

To support residents and visitors during long outages, Kyiv set up stationary and mobile “Points of Invincibility.” These are equipped locations or tents where you can warm up, charge devices, access water, and connect to the internet.

You can find the nearest Point of Invincibility through Telegram or Viber chatbots by address, or simply ask locals nearby.