Russia launches major missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Kyiv says

Russia has carried out a large-scale missile and drone attack targeting Ukraine‘s energy infrastructure, Ukrainian authorities have said, in what appears to be one of the most significant aerial assaults in recent weeks.

Officials in Kyiv reported that multiple regions were hit overnight, with power facilities among the primary targets. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, a combination of cruise missiles and attack drones were launched, triggering air raid sirens across several cities.

Energy officials said parts of the grid sustained damage, leading to temporary power outages in affected areas.

Emergency crews were deployed to restore electricity and assess the extent of destruction. While authorities did not immediately provide a full casualty report, they confirmed that civilian infrastructure was impacted.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, describing them as deliberate attempts to weaken the country’s energy system and disrupt daily life.

He renewed calls for additional air defense support from Western allies, stressing the need to protect critical infrastructure, especially during periods of heightened demand.

The attacks form part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has seen repeated strikes on power plants, substations, and other key facilities.

Moscow has previously argued that such infrastructure is linked to Ukraine’s military capabilities, a claim Kyiv rejects, saying the assaults are aimed at terrorizing civilians.

In Kyiv and other major cities, residents sought shelter as explosions were heard throughout the night. Local authorities urged citizens to conserve electricity as repair efforts continue.

The latest escalation underscores the continuing volatility of the war, with energy infrastructure remaining a central target in the broader struggle between the two nations.