Ukraine’s capital Kyiv was plunged into darkness on Friday following a large-scale Russian missile and drone strike that targeted the country’s power grid and energy facilities. The attack, described by Ukrainian officials as one of the heaviest in recent months, also caused fires and widespread damage across multiple regions.
Kyiv Under Fire
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that the capital came under a massive assault involving ballistic missiles and strike drones, prompting air raid sirens and emergency alerts.
“The capital of the country is under an enemy ballistic missile attack and a massive attack by enemy strike drones,” the air force said, urging residents to stay in shelters.
Video footage circulating online showed explosions lighting up the night sky as power went out across several districts.
Critical Infrastructure Damaged
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that at least nine people were injured, including five hospitalised, after strikes hit critical infrastructure.
“The left bank of the capital is without electricity. There are also problems with water supply,” Klitschko wrote on Telegram.
Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk confirmed that Russian forces were “inflicting a massive strike” on Ukraine’s power grid, targeting transformers and substations.
She added that emergency crews were working to stabilize the system and restore electricity where possible.
“Energy workers are taking all necessary measures to minimize the negative consequences,” Grynchuk said. “As soon as conditions allow, repair teams will begin assessing damage and restoration.”
Across Ukraine, multiple energy and railway facilities were hit. In Zaporizhzhia, at least seven drone strikes were reported, injuring three people, according to regional military chief Ivan Fedorov.
Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy and transport infrastructure in recent weeks, striking railways, power substations, and fuel depots a campaign officials say is designed to cripple essential services ahead of winter.
🇷🇺 Moscow’s Strategy and Kyiv’s Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to “create chaos” by deliberately targeting civilian and energy facilities.
“Moscow is seeking to spread panic through blackouts and infrastructure damage,” Zelensky said in an address.
He also noted that Ukraine had stepped up its own drone and missile operations inside Russia, claiming the counter-campaign was “delivering results” by disrupting supply lines and increasing fuel prices in Russian territories.
Power Crisis in the Capital
Authorities confirmed that large parts of Kyiv’s left bank were without power overnight, with emergency generators supplying critical facilities.
Residents reported intermittent outages in hospitals and metro stations, while social media videos showed drones bursting into flames after being intercepted by Ukrainian defenses.
Electricity and water supply restoration was underway by early morning as engineers worked under blackout conditions to assess damage.
