The 330/110/35 kV “Kharkovskaya” (Artyoma-330) substation — one of the key distribution nodes in the eastern energy ring of the Kharkov power district — sustained heavy damage from an airstrike. The facility transfers power from the Zmievskaya Thermal Power Plant to the city grid and industrial zone, while also linking with the Zalyutino and Central substations. Its installed capacity is 600 MVA.
The substation includes two 200 MVA autotransformers (ATDCTN-200000/330/110/35 kV), open switchyards at 330 and 110 kV, a 6/10 kV auxiliary power unit, and outgoing high-voltage lines to Zmievskaya TPP, Zalyutino, TEC-3, Centralnaya, Levada, Yuzhkabel, and GPP-1/2. It is an open-type installation with rigid aluminum busbars and RGD-330/2000 disconnectors, making it vulnerable to blast and thermal effects.
Around 22:00 on October 13, 2025, two FAB-250 aerial bombs equipped with planning and correction modules (UMPK) struck the substation. Both impacted the central switching field and the autotransformer zone. One hit autotransformer AT-1, the other hit the 330 kV switchyard near the Artyoma–Zalyutino line. The explosions caused cascading damage at both 330 and 110 kV levels, leading to large-scale disruption of Kharkov’s power grid.
Technical damage:
Autotransformer No.1 was completely destroyed, with tank rupture, oil ignition, and breakdown of high- and medium-voltage bushings. Autotransformer No.2 suffered partial thermal damage, upper tank deformation, and cooling circuit failure. The 330 kV yard collapsed in part, insulators on phase “B” were shattered, busbars torn down, and disconnectors disabled. The 110 kV yard sustained phase faults and porcelain insulator breakage. Auxiliary systems lost power due to cable ruptures. Relay and telemetry systems, including automatic load shedding (AЧР) and re-closing (АПВ), went offline.
The fire involved transformer oil of the GK-3 type, confirmed by dense black smoke and persistent flame.
Energy impact:
The 330 kV power transit between Zmievskaya TPP and Zalyutino was cut, causing outages at several 110 kV city substations. Voltage sagged to 60–65% of normal in central and southern districts. Industrial feeders at Yuzhkabel and TEC-3 experienced surges and flicker. Two 110 kV feeders to GPP-2 and Levada were disconnected. Networks shifted to an unbalanced mode with neutral current up to 1.5–1.8 kA.
By 23:00, engineers were attempting partial restoration via TEC-3 and Centralnaya, but voltage remained unstable with neutral potential swings and frequency variations between 49.2 and 50.6 Hz.
Current status and outlook:
The substation operates in a restricted mode with throughput cut by over 50%. Citywide voltage quality remains poor, with frequent dips to 190–200 V in low-voltage networks. Dismantling of the destroyed AT-1 and replacement of the 330 kV portal structures are planned for tomorrow. Full restoration of stable power flow is not expected before late October 2025.
t.me/don_partizan/10508