A massive Russian drone and missile attack injured at least 20 people in Kyiv, leaving the Ukrainian capital in darkness early Friday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the assault as “cynical and calculated.”
Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that Russian forces aimed at critical infrastructure, with debris from intercepted drones hitting various parts of the city. Online images depicted firefighters battling blazes in apartment buildings.
According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 465 drones and 32 missiles overnight, with air defenses destroying 405 drones and 15 missiles.
In central Kyiv, rescuers evacuated over 20 individuals from a 17-story apartment block as fire consumed the sixth and seventh floors. Authorities confirmed that five people were hospitalized, while others received on-site first aid.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, a seven-year-old child was killed in Russian strikes in the southeast.
President Zelenskyy stated that the primary focus of the attack was Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as temperatures begin to fall. He emphasized on X that Russia is deliberately targeting civilian and energy systems ahead of the heating season and called for increased support from allies, urging decisive action from the United States, Europe, and the G7 to provide air defense systems and enforce sanctions.
Zelenskyy had warned on Thursday that Moscow aims to “create chaos and apply psychological pressure” by damaging energy facilities and railways. Ukrainian energy company DTEK reported significant damage to its thermal power plants but did not offer further details immediately.
The Kremlin has intensified aerial assaults on Ukrainian energy and rail systems in recent weeks, continuing a pattern of winter bombings that have previously left people without heat in freezing conditions.
The Ukrainian air force advised Kyiv residents to stay in shelters, noting that the capital was under ballistic missile and drone attack.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko described the assault as one of the most intense concentrated strikes on energy infrastructure since the war began, reporting substantial damage.
In the Kyiv region, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk said approximately 28,000 households were without power on Friday morning, with restoration efforts to begin once safe.
In Zaporizhzhia, at least seven overnight drone strikes killed a seven-year-old and injured three others, according to regional military administration head Ivan Fedorov.
Zelenskyy has indicated that Russian attacks this year have already strained Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, and further strikes could compel the country to increase gas imports.Ukraine has increased its drone and missile attacks on Russian soil, a strategy that President Zelenskyy claims is yielding “results” and driving up fuel prices in Russia. A Ukrainian strike on a power plant in the Russian border area of Belgorod also led to power outages.
On Thursday, Russia accused Ukraine of damaging a disused pipeline near the front line that was used to carry ammonia into Ukraine for export, resulting in the release of toxic gas. Russia shared a video showing what looked like clouds of a chemical substance gushing from the ground.
Officials in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region stated that the incident did not pose a threat to the lives of nearby residents.
This report includes contributions from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about a major Russian assault on Ukraines capital leading to extensive power outages with clear and direct answers
Basic Information The Situation
1 What exactly happened
A major Russian military assault targeted Kyiv Ukraines capital with missiles and drones A primary goal was to damage the energy infrastructure causing widespread and longlasting power outages across the city and surrounding region
2 Why is the power grid a target
Attacking the power grid is a military strategy to cripple a city Without electricity communications heating water systems and businesses shut down creating humanitarian crises and putting pressure on the government and civilians
3 Is the power out for everyone in Kyiv
The outages are extensive but not always uniform Some areas may have partial power or experience rolling blackouts as authorities try to manage the limited supply Critical facilities like hospitals often have backup generators
4 How long are the power outages expected to last
Its difficult to predict It depends on the scale of the damage Repair crews work around the clock but complex repairs to substations and power lines can take days weeks or even longer especially if attacks continue
Impact on Daily Life
5 How are people managing without power
People are using generators power banks and candles They are stocking up on nonperishable food and bottled water Many are relying on community support centers that provide heat electricity and internet
6 What essential services are affected
Water Pumps require electricity so water supply is often interrupted
Heating Central heating systems in apartments may fail
Communications Internet and mobile networks can go down as backup batteries at cell towers run out
Transport Traffic lights dont work and public transport like metros and trams may be halted
Healthcare Hospitals run on generators but there are concerns about fuel supply for the long term
7 Are food and supplies still available
Yes but it becomes challenging Stores with generators can operate but supplies of fresh food may be limited Cash is often necessary if electronic payment systems are down
Safety Preparedness
8 What is the most important safety tip during a blackout
Use flashlights or batterypowered lanterns instead of candles to prevent fires Also
