In the Kyiv region, preparations are underway to tighten blackout measures at the request of the military command. Local authorities and communities have been instructed to draw up additional measures in collaboration with businesses, utility services and residents. This is stated in a statement issued on 10 November 2026, citing Timur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration. However, no separate official confirmation of this specific new directive has yet been found.
- In the Kyiv region, preparations are underway to step up blackout measures at the request of the military.
- Further measures should be developed in consultation with the business community, local authorities and the housing sector.
- The aim is to make it more difficult for Russia to carry out air strikes at night.
- Limiting the use of lighting can also help to reduce electricity consumption.
- Ahead of winter, there are plans to strengthen coordination between territorial defence units and volunteer formations.
What will change for residents and businesses in the Kyiv region
According to the information released, local authorities in the region are to put in place additional blackout measures, particularly in the evening and at night.
Light masking provides for a reduction in visible lighting in built-up areas and at infrastructure facilities. Depending on the regime in place, this may apply to street lights, advertising structures, building lighting and the lighting of company premises.
In the Kyiv region, these rules had already been in place. In particular, in April 2022, the regional authorities allowed local authorities to decide for themselves whether a partial or total blackout was necessary, depending on the security situation.
In May 2024, the Regional Defence Council also passed a resolution to reduce street lighting and called on businesses to limit the illumination of advertising signs and building façades.
However, as of 10 November, no new specific timetables, lists of localities or additional requirements for residents have been published.
Why are the military asking for stricter blackout measures?
According to the report, the need for additional measures is linked to the long winter nights and the threat of Russian air strikes.
Reducing lighting is intended to make it more difficult to visually monitor built-up areas and individual targets. At the same time, blackout measures do not guarantee protection against attacks, as modern drones can use various navigation and guidance systems.
Another stated aim is to save electricity. Due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure The Kyiv region is facing power supply restrictions and the need to reduce the load on the grid.
The current regulations governing blackouts in Ukraine provide for two levels — partial and total blackouts. The specific rules, the areas affected and the periods during which they apply are determined by the competent authorities.
Efforts in the field of territorial defence will also be stepped up in the Kyiv region
In addition to blackout measures, ahead of the winter period, the regional authorities plan to strengthen coordination between territorial defence units and volunteer units from local communities.
The aim is to improve organisation, discipline and cooperation between the military and local authorities.
Such measures are in line with the overall strategy to strengthen the region’s defences. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence had previously announced improvements to the mechanisms for involving volunteer units in air defence.
As of 10 November 2026, the exact dates for the introduction of additional blackout restrictions have not been specified. Residents of the Kyiv region should refer to official announcements from the regional military administration and their local authorities.
