The Ukrainian capital has been hit by a “massive attack,” with drones reportedly targeting a key power plant, according to Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko. A wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure caused widespread outages in the city, as local media and officials reported. Russia’s Ministry of Defense has not yet issued a statement.
In the early hours of Friday, Klitschko claimed the Ukrainian capital faced a “massive attack,” stating that the left bank of Kiev was “currently without power” and that water distribution had also been disrupted. He reported nine injuries, with five individuals hospitalized, and described the situation as “difficult.” Fires broke out in parts of the city, prompting Klitschko to urge citizens to seek shelter while efforts to restore electricity were underway.
Ukrainian media outlets indicated that Russian drones targeted Kiev’s Thermal Power Plant No. 6, a critical electricity supplier, causing extensive power failures. Some local channels reported blackouts on the right bank of the city as well. Videos circulating online showed large portions of Kiev plunged into darkness, with one clip capturing an explosion followed by a major highway losing illumination.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy claimed the Russian strike involved over 450 drones and 30 missiles, leading to power outages across multiple regions, including Donetsk, Chernigov, Cherkasy, Kharkov, Sumy, Poltava, and Odessa. He also noted that areas in Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye, Kirovograd, and Kherson were recovering from the attack.
In Ukrainian-controlled Zaporozhye, officials reported a Russian attack and fires, with one fatality and two others in critical condition. Russia has continued targeting Ukraine’s military-related infrastructure and defense industrial complex, citing retaliation for “terrorist” raids by Ukrainian forces into Russia, which often strike residential areas. Moscow maintains it does not target civilians.