Emergency power cuts were introduced in Kyiv on the evening of 30 September following massive Russian strikes on the energy infrastructure. Due to the loss of power in the overhead contact line network, some electric transport services in the Shevchenkivskyi and Holosiivskyi districts came to a standstill. Meanwhile, presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov told «Flash» that this marked the first recorded instance of Russia using a jet-powered UAV with a specialised warhead to destroy high-voltage pylons and the metal structures of bridges.
- Emergency power cuts are in place in Kyiv.
- Normal timetables and queues do not operate during such power cuts.
- Due to a power cut, public transport came to a standstill in two districts.
- Russia has deployed a jet-powered drone carrying a special KRSN warhead for the first time.
Emergency power cuts have begun in Kyiv
In the evening DTEK reported that, on the orders of «Ukrenergo», the following measures were implemented in the capital emergency power outages. During such restrictions, the usual hourly schedules do not apply. This means that it is not possible to determine in advance the exact time when the electricity supply will be restored for a particular group.
Earlier that morning, following the Russian attack, DTEK reported damage to the capital’s energy infrastructure. At that point, the power company managed to quickly restore power to over 8,000 customers on the Left Bank, but the situation within the system remained difficult throughout the day.
There is a widespread view on social media that around a third of the capital could have been left without electricity and that consumers in certain areas were particularly hard hit. As of the time of publication, there is no official confirmation of the figure 30%. Furthermore, during emergency power cuts, the breakdown according to standard schedules – in particular, by groups such as 6.1 – does not, in practice, determine the duration of the power cut.
Public transport came to a standstill due to a power cut
The consequences of the problems in the power grid have already had an impact on the operation of the city’s public transport. «Kyivpastrans» has reported that Temporary suspension of electric transport services in the Shevchenkivskyi and Holosiivskyi districts due to a power cut in the overhead contact line network. This refers to trams and trolleybuses on the relevant sections.
Passengers are advised to take disruptions into account when planning their journey and to use alternative transport.
Russia has deployed a new type of warhead to target power lines
Against the backdrop of power cuts, another important detail of the Russian attack has come to light.
Special Adviser to the President of Ukraine on the development of defence technology sectors Sergey Beskrestnov «Flash» stated that Russian troops A special cumulative-cutting warhead — the KRSN — was used for the first time on a jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle.
According to him, the munition was designed specifically to engage:
- high-voltage pylons;
- metal structures;
- bridge components;
- other large-scale steel infrastructure.
The ammunition load consists of the main body, weighing approximately 40 kg, and four separate strike modules.
Flash opens the door to new attacks on main power lines
Beskrestnov suggested that the next targets for such weapons could be major high-voltage power lines.
The distinctive feature of this type of warhead is that it is not designed merely to detonate near the target. The cumulative-cutting elements are intended to physically damage metal structures, the integrity of which is essential to the functioning of a support structure or other engineering structure. This may indicate that Russian jet-powered drones are being further adapted specifically for strikes against energy infrastructure.
The concerted attack on the energy sector continues
On the night of 29–30 September, Russia carried out one of its largest combined attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector in recent months.
Damage was reported in Kyiv and other regions. In particular, the generating equipment at the Trypillya Thermal Power Station was affected. Emergency power cuts occurred in the capital, and by the evening the situation had forced Ukrenergo to impose emergency restrictions.
Power company staff are continuing with emergency repair work. Until the system stabilises, Kyiv residents should be prepared for the possibility of sudden power cuts and, where possible, Do not use the lifts during emergency power cuts.
