In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, more than 600,000 people in the Kyiv region of Ukraine were left without power following overnight Russian missile and drone attacks.
Ukraine's energy ministry reported that over 500,000 individuals in the capital city were affected, attributing the power outages to missiles and drones targeting essential energy infrastructure across the region.
A total of around 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones were launched during the assault, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries, including a 13-year-old child in Kyiv.
As the situation worsens, the Russian defense ministry claimed the strikes were aimed at Ukraine's military-industrial complex and the energy facilities that support them. Ukrainian emergency services were dispatched to respond to incidents of residential buildings being struck, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Kyiv's Mayor, Vitaly Klitschko, reported that efforts are underway to restore power, with Dtek Energy announcing that power had been reinstated for over 360,000 households as of Saturday. However, the ongoing threat of Russian strikes continues to loom large, especially with temperatures expected to fall below freezing soon.
Ukrainian forces claimed to have intercepted a substantial number of drones and missiles during the assault. However, the repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure indicate a new phase in the conflict as Russia gears up its military actions ahead of the winter.
This latest onslaught arrives amidst ongoing diplomatic discussions aimed at reaching a peace settlement, despite recent escalations by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reiterated demands claiming Ukrainian territories.
Many Ukrainians brace for another winter under the threat of blackouts, as energy infrastructure remains a key target in this prolonged conflict. The hopes for peace are met with the stark reality of war's toll on the civilian population.
