Donetsk Without Power: Ukrainian Defense Forces Hit the Chaikyne Substation

On the night of November 17, the Defense Forces of Ukraine struck the Chaikyne substation, located between the occupied cities of Donetsk and Makiivka.

The monitoring resource Exilenova+ published video and photo evidence of the strike.

Several districts of Donetsk and its suburbs are reported to be without power.

The Chaikyne substation has voltage levels of 330/220/110/35 kV, which allows it to function as a main hub between high-voltage transmission lines and local networks.

Substation PS “Chaikine” (330\/220\/110\/35 kV) was damaged https://t.co/lqNnOIS7dQ pic.twitter.com/LgD8ezYmwQ

— Exilenova+ (@Exilenova_plus) November 16, 2025

The facility houses high-capacity transformers, switching equipment, and protection and automation systems.

The substation receives electricity from the Starobesheve TPP and ZuGRES-2.

Donetsk is an important logistical hub for the Russian occupation forces. The strike on the substation will affect the operation of repair facilities, command posts, and communication systems, and will force the enemy to spend more resources on restoration or on finding alternative solutions.