KYIV, Ukraine: Ukraine says Russia has unleashed a “massive attack” on its energy infrastructure, cutting power and water supplies across several regions including the capital, Kyiv.
Governor Mykola Kalashnik said about 28,000 families in Brovary and Boryspil districts were left without electricity after waves of missiles and drones struck energy facilities overnight.
Similar outages were reported in Poltava, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, where a 7-year-old boy was killed and dozens of people injured. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed 12 injuries in the capital and said the city’s left bank had gone completely dark.
Winter Tactic Returns
Officials say Moscow has revived its tactic of targeting Ukraine’s energy grid to break civilian morale ahead of freezing winter months.
“This is Russia’s goal — to leave us in darkness, without water and heat,” Kalashnik said.
The attacks, which began intensifying in late September, have become almost daily, hitting power generation plants, gas production sites, and distribution facilities.
‘They Are Being Shot Down Hard’
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has carried out around 1,550 strikes on energy targets in recent weeks, resulting in more than 160 direct hits.
“Our air defenses are intercepting many of them,” he said. “They are being shot down — and they are being shot down hard. The energy sector must be protected, and we will protect it.”
In Dnipro, regional governor Serhiy Lysak said 60 drones were intercepted overnight, though four people were injured by falling debris.
Human Cost Mounts
Video shared by Ukraine’s emergency services showed firefighters battling a massive blaze at a building site in Kyiv as they escorted residents to safety.
Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk said workers were taking “all necessary measures” to restore supply and limit damage to the grid.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiha said strikes had affected civilian infrastructure across Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia.
Echoes of Last Winter
The latest bombardment recalls last year’s winter attacks, when half a million households in the Kharkiv region were left without heat amid sub-zero temperatures.
As Ukraine braces for another winter under fire, officials warn that Moscow’s assault on its energy grid is as much psychological as military — a war on warmth, light, and survival.
