Ukraine Turns to 'Invincibility Points' Because Dark Ages Were Too Mainstream
KEY POINTS
- •In January 2026, Russian strikes caused the worst blackouts since 2022 in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
- •Authorities activated hundreds of 'invincibility points' like schools and metro stations offering heat, charging, and tea to over 5,000 residents daily.
- •Despite continued attacks and over 728 strikes in one day, local officials managed partial restoration of heat, water, and power for over 1.7 million people.
In a plot twist darker than your grandma's blackout curtains, Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions faced their worst blackouts since 2022 thanks to a fresh Russian energy strike binge. Dnipro mayor Borys Filatov declared a 'national emergency' as over 1 million civilians lost heat and water during January's frosty 18°F weather, forcing locals to flock to 500 'invincibility points'—think schools, metro stations, and even convenience stores retrofitted as Wi-Fi cafes with power sockets. Over 5,000 Dnipro residents camped at these spots within 24 hours, charging phones while sipping tea and waiting for the phantom power to return. Meanwhile, trains turned eco-warriors by burning their own fuel onboard because apparently, hustle mode is mandatory during wartime blackouts. Zaporizhzhia counted 400 such pitch-black havens, ready to host weary survivors overnight if needed. Energy giant DTEK called it 'an exhausting day for energy workers,' while Ukrainian officials play a high-stakes game of dodge-the-missile, with 728 confirmed strikes in one day alone. Even the Kremlin’s old ‘just hitting military targets’ excuse gets the side-eye, as Zelenskyy reminded everyone these attacks on civilians’ electricity in winter have 'no military sense.'
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Ukraine’s blackout survival kit includes 'invincibility points' where charging your phone ranks second only to the hot tea. Who needs electricity when you have grudges and glow sticks?
Nothing says ’cozy winter night’ like a citywide blackout, charging stations in convenience stores, and trains burning fuel like it’s 1885.
Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk's blackout strategy: gather the people, light some candles, sip tea, charge phones, and pretend you’re in a post-apocalyptic indie game.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 1/9/2026 | Author: Matthew Loh
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