Explosions shook Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and other cities early Sunday as Russia launched its largest missile assault since August, focusing on power facilities as winter approaches. Ukrainian officials reported that the attacks targeted electricity generation and transmission infrastructure across the country, raising fears of widespread blackouts that could severely impact the civilian population.
Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko confirmed the assault, stating on Facebook, “Another massive attack on the power system is under way.” The missile strikes occurred after air defense systems engaged drones over Kyiv, and multiple blasts were heard across the city center. Local authorities took precautionary measures, cutting power to several districts in Kyiv, surrounding areas, and Dnipropetrovsk to prevent additional damage.
The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear, but energy infrastructure in the Volyn region was also reported to have been hit. Meanwhile, in southern Ukraine, two people were killed in Mykolaiv during the overnight drone attack. Explosions were also reported in Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Kryvyi Rih, and Rivne, further complicating the situation.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attack as an act of aggression against civilians and critical infrastructure. “Russia launched one of the largest air attacks: drones and missiles against peaceful cities, sleeping civilians, critical infrastructure,” Sybiha said. He also linked the strike to diplomatic tensions, implying it was Moscow’s retaliation for recent talks with Western leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine, activated its air defense systems and scrambled fighter jets as a precautionary measure in response to the missile and drone attacks. Ukrainian air force officials urged citizens to take cover as Russia’s missiles, including cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic varieties, barreled through Ukrainian airspace.
In Kyiv, the roof of a residential building caught fire after being struck by debris, and at least two people were injured. Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that emergency services were dispatched to the scene.
This marks Russia’s most significant missile assault on Ukraine in months, continuing a pattern of targeting the country’s energy infrastructure as the harsh winter months draw nearer.
