Russian Missiles and Drones Strike Kyiv for Five Hours, Targeting Power Grid

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AP

Ukraine’s air defenses faced a significant challenge overnight as they engaged in a five-hour battle against a Russian aerial attack targeting the capital, Kyiv. Officials reported on Thursday that the assault involved missiles and drones, which again struck at the already vulnerable Ukrainian power grid, causing injuries and damage in the city.

According to Ukraine’s Emergency Service, at least two individuals were injured during the Kyiv attack. The assault also resulted in damage to a kindergarten, a gas pipeline, and approximately 20 vehicles, as reported by the Kyiv Military Administration. 

Long-range strikes have become a key strategy in Russia’s ongoing military campaign, which is now in its third year. These attacks frequently target civilian areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The sustained assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have crippled around 70% of the country’s energy generation capacity, according to United Nations estimates, leading to widespread blackouts as the winter months approach.

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The necessity for effective air defense systems has never been more pressing for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday to discuss ongoing U.S. military support, aiming to secure additional resources for Ukraine's defense efforts.

In addition to the strikes on Kyiv, energy infrastructure in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region was also targeted, resulting in a blackout affecting parts of the regional capital. Regional Governor Svitlana Onyshchuk confirmed the disruption caused by the missile strikes.

The southern Mykolaiv region also faced similar assaults, with local authorities reporting attacks on the power grid, although further details were not immediately available.

Overnight, Russia launched a total of six missiles and 78 Shahed drones at various targets across Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force. Their defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed four of the missiles and 66 drones, demonstrating some level of effectiveness in countering the aerial threats.

In the Odesa region, a missile strike tragically claimed the life of a 62-year-old woman and caused damage to homes and vehicles, as stated by Regional Governor Oleh Kiper. Meanwhile, in Zaporizhzhia, at least eight individuals were reported injured in the overnight attack, including a 14-year-old child. Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov shared images depicting the aftermath, showing residential buildings with shattered windows and walls marred by shrapnel. The Emergency Service noted that 12 residential buildings were damaged in the city, prompting the evacuation of 18 residents.

As the conflict continues, the situation remains dire, with Ukrainian cities facing relentless attacks that threaten both lives and critical infrastructure.