Deadly Russian strikes hit Kyiv, energy sites targeted

A large-scale Russian aerial assault struck Kyiv overnight, leaving at least one person dead and 10 others injured as missiles and drones pounded the Ukrainian capital and other areas. Authorities said the attack appeared aimed at the country’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter, a tactic that has periodically strained Ukraine’s grid and forced emergency power cuts in past cold seasons.

Kyiv’s city military administration reported widespread damage from the pre-dawn barrage, including shattered windows, burned-out vehicles and a crater gouged into the courtyard of a residential building. Local officials said multiple fires broke out following the strikes, and a kindergarten was among the structures damaged.

Ukraine’s air force said the nationwide attack involved nine missiles and 62 drones. Air defences intercepted four of the missiles and 50 drones, but officials acknowledged that five missiles and a dozen drones got through, striking 11 locations. In the capital, ballistic missiles targeted energy sites around 4am local time, with fires reported across the Dniprovskyi, Desnianskyi and Darnytskyi districts. Beyond residential damage, the strikes also affected an industrial facility, including the city’s radio plant.

The latest bombardment has renewed concern about potential winter blackouts as Russia steps up pressure on critical infrastructure. Emergency crews were deployed to douse fires, assess damage and restore services as quickly as possible, while authorities urged residents to heed safety advisories and shelter guidance during air raid alerts.