Russian drone and missile attacks in Kyiv resulted in injuries to over 20 individuals, damaged residential structures, and triggered widespread power outages in Ukraine early Friday, as reported by officials. Tragically, a child lost their life in separate incidents in the southeast region of the country.
In central Kyiv, emergency teams rescued more than 20 people from a 17-story apartment building engulfed in flames on the sixth and seventh floors. Five individuals were hospitalized, while others received immediate medical assistance on-site, according to authorities.
Describing the harrowing experience, Tetiana Lemishevska, a 61-year-old resident, recounted how the sudden sound alerted them to the approaching danger before the strike shattered windows and sent glass shards flying. The fire quickly escalated from the sixth to other floors, prompting occupants to evacuate uncertain of the outcome.
The Ukrainian air force disclosed that the recent Russian assault involved 465 drones for strikes and decoys, along with 32 missiles of different varieties. Air defenses successfully intercepted or disrupted 405 drones and 15 missiles, preventing further damage.
In the Zaporizhzhia region in the southeast, residential zones and energy installations faced relentless attacks from drones, missiles, and guided bombs, resulting in the tragic death of a seven-year-old boy and injuries to several others, including his parents. As a precaution, a hydroelectric plant in the area was shut down.
Poland extended assistance to Ukraine as the Russian strikes targeted civilian and energy infrastructure amid preparations for the approaching winter season, as highlighted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko identified the assault as one of the most concentrated against Ukraine’s energy facilities.
Ukraine’s national energy operator, Ukrenergo, confirmed power outages in Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Cherkasy regions. Mayor Vitali Klitschko mentioned that the attack caused power disruptions on both sides of Kyiv, emphasizing the ongoing repair efforts at damaged thermal plants by DTEK, the largest electricity provider in Ukraine.
The energy sector has emerged as a critical battleground since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russia’s historical attempts to destabilize the Ukrainian power grid before severe winter conditions reflect a strategy aimed at undermining public morale during the coldest months from late October to March.
During a visit to Lviv in western Ukraine, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressed Poland’s discussions on supporting Ukraine with additional electricity supplies in response to the escalating situation. He condemned the attacks as intimidation tactics ahead of the winter season.
Amid the rising tensions, Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting its energy infrastructure. Allegations surfaced after a drone attack purportedly sparked fires at energy facilities in Russia’s Volograd region, as stated by the region’s governor without further details.