Kyiv witnessed a devastating night of Russian aggression as massive strikes on energy infrastructure plunged more than 600,000 residents into darkness across the region on Saturday.
Massive Overnight Assault
Russia launched a coordinated attack involving around 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones targeting various locations across Ukraine overnight. The assault resulted in three confirmed fatalities and left dozens of others injured, according to Ukrainian officials.
The Ukrainian energy ministry reported that more than 500,000 people in Kyiv itself were affected by power outages, with the remaining affected residents located in the surrounding region. The power losses were directly attributed to missile and drone strikes targeting critical energy infrastructure in the capital and several other regions.
Civilian Infrastructure Targeted
Russian defense ministry officials confirmed they had launched what they described as "a massive strike against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and the energy facilities that support their operation." However, Ukrainian officials reported that residential buildings were also hit during the overnight attacks.
Emergency services were seen responding to multiple incidents across Kyiv, including attending to burning blocks of flats damaged by strikes. Loud explosions were reported across the capital early Saturday morning, signaling the intensity of the assault.
Restoration Efforts Underway
Despite the widespread damage, restoration efforts began quickly. Dtek Energy, which serves properties in Kyiv, announced later on Saturday that power had been restored to more than 360,000 families, providing some relief to the affected population.
The attacks represent a significant escalation in Russia's targeting of Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure as the country heads into winter. This comes despite international efforts, led by the United States, to secure a peace deal between the warring nations.
The timing of these strikes raises concerns about Ukraine's ability to maintain essential services during the approaching winter months, when energy demands typically increase significantly.
