Thousands in Berlin Go Days Without Power and Cell Service After Cables Are Set on Fire

The New York Times•January 5, 2026•general

Key Points:

A widespread power failure in Berlin, caused by an arson attack on a cable transom, has left tens of thousands without heat, electricity, cellphone service, and access to warm food or drinks for three days.
The blackout began when firefighters responded to a fire at a cable crossing a canal, linking one of Berlin’s largest power plants to residents.
The incident has raised concerns among residents about the city's infrastructure and security vulnerabilities, with fears that foreign adversaries like Russia might exploit such weaknesses.
A far-left pro-environmental group called the Vulkan group has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was targeted at the energy industry; authorities are treating the claim seriously.
The group published a detailed 4,