Ukraine Loses 50% Power After Russian Energy Attacks

Ukraine's Power Grid Halved as Russia's Strikes Reshape Energy Warfare

Ukraine has lost half its power generation capacity after years of relentless Russian strikes. The country's state-owned energy firm, Naftogaz, has responded by investing heavily in air defences. Meanwhile, a broader conflict in the Middle East has seen Iran target energy sites across the Gulf with drones and missiles since late February 2026. Russia's campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure has involved over 400 attacks in four years. Gas storage, power plants, and transmission lines have all been hit repeatedly. The result has been severe damage, cutting the nation's electricity output by 50%.

Naftogaz has spent around $180 million on defensive measures. These include electronic jammers, interceptor drones, and physical barriers around key sites. The company's CEO, Serhiy Koretsky, has called this layered approach a potential blueprint for energy firms facing similar threats.

Ukraine's Defence Ministry reports a success rate of over 60% in shooting down incoming Shahed-136 drones. These low-cost kamikaze drones, originally developed in Iran, now appear in multiple conflicts. Each unit costs between $20,000 and $50,000, making them an affordable weapon for sustained bombardment.

Since 28 February 2026, Iran has launched more than 1,000 drones and hundreds of missiles at Gulf states. Targets have included Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura refinery, hit on 2 March 2026, and US military radar systems in Bahrain. The strikes followed earlier US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory. While exact numbers remain unclear, sources describe weeks of intense attacks with hundreds of drones deployed. Ukraine's energy sector continues to operate under severe strain, with defensive investments proving critical. In the Gulf, Iran's drone and missile campaigns have disrupted key oil and gas facilities. Both conflicts highlight how low-cost weapons can reshape energy security across regions.