On 16 October, Russian forces attacked more than 15 electricity generation and transmission facilities in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reporting on the consequences of the strike on 17 October, called on the US to step up pressure on Moscow and linked the scale of the attack to Washington’s decision not to apply new sanctions instruments under the Lindsey Graham Act.
Briefly about the main points
- Russia has attacked electricity generation and transmission facilities in various regions.
- The most difficult situation has arisen in Lutsk, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Shepetivka, Slavuta and Netishyn.
- The damage affected the electricity supply to customers in ten regions.
- Power companies have restored electricity to more than half a million customers.
- Trump has exempted them from new tariffs and some of the sanctions.
The situation is most difficult in the cities of the west and the centre
According to Zelensky, the most severe consequences of the strikes were recorded in Lutsk, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Shepetivka, Slavuta and Netishyn. The strikes were also directed at energy infrastructure other regions.
The Ministry of Energy has reported damage in the Vinnytsia, Volyn, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr, Odesa, Rivne, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi and Kharkiv regions. Some customers were left without power, but electricity supply has already been restored to over half a million customers.
Repairs are continuing despite the threat of further attacks
Emergency crews, staff from energy companies and specialist services have been called in to deal with the aftermath. They are restoring the networks where the security situation allows.
The work is made more difficult by air raid warning and the risk of further attacks. To stabilise the power grid, hourly power cut schedules are being implemented in a number of regions on 17 October, whilst power restrictions for industry and business are in place across all regions.
Up-to-date schedules are published by regional electricity distribution system operators.
Zelenskyy called on the US not to ease the pressure on Moscow
The President stated that the attack took place on the day Washington decided not to apply the new sanctions measures provided for by law Lindsay Graham. He called on the US to recognise the consequences of the Russian strikes and to step up economic pressure on Russia.
According to Zelenskyy, refraining from imposing new restrictions encourages Moscow to continue the war. He also thanked European partners for the support packages they have put together for Ukraine and emphasised the need to maintain international pressure on Russia.
Which of Trump’s decisions has come under criticism?
Lindsey Graham’s Law The bill on sanctions against Russia and Iran became law on 18 September 2026. It imposes 500 per cent duties on goods of Russian origin, as well as 100 per cent duties on categories specified in the Act relating to the import of Russian oil and gas and the circumvention of oil sanctions.
16 October Donald Trump signed a decree on the implementation of this law. The document allows the President to waive sanctions and tariffs if this is in the national interests of the US. The executive order exempts certain goods from new tariffs and a number of sanctions restrictions, whilst previously imposed US sanctions against Russia remain in force.
