Ukraine reported on Friday that Russia unleashed a massive overnight attack on the capital, Kyiv, targeting critical infrastructure and plunging parts of the city into darkness. The strikes also hit other regions, intensifying Moscow’s campaign against Ukraine’s energy grid.
“The capital is under an enemy ballistic missile and drone attack,” the Ukrainian Air Force announced, urging residents to stay in shelters.
AFP journalists in Kyiv confirmed hearing several powerful explosions across the city, followed by widespread power outages in multiple districts.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said Russian forces struck key infrastructure, injuring at least nine people, five of whom were hospitalized. “The left bank of the capital is without electricity, and there are problems with the water supply,” he said on Telegram.
Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk described the assault as a “massive strike” on Ukraine’s national grid, adding that technicians were working to reduce the impact. “As soon as it’s safe, energy workers will assess the damage and begin restoration,” she noted.
The Zaporizhzhia region in southeastern Ukraine was also hit by at least seven drone strikes, wounding three people, according to regional chief Ivan Fedorov.
Russia has recently intensified its aerial attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and railway systems, a move President Volodymyr Zelensky said aims to “create chaos” across the country.
In response, Ukraine has ramped up drone and missile strikes inside Russian territory — a strategy Zelensky said is “yielding results” and contributing to a surge in fuel prices within Russia.
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