Russia unleashes heavy attack on Ukrainian energy grid as winter looms

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Russia targets Ukrainian energy grid in largest attack since spring

   Russia launched a massive air campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Wednesday, marking the heaviest combined strike on power sites in months. Ukrainian officials report seven people killed. The attacks targeted power facilities and infrastructure around Kyiv and other regions, forcing the first emergency power cuts of the season in Kyiv and three other regions. Some public transport systems are suspended. The campaign follows intensifying drone barrages on the capital and coincides with the approach of winter, when Ukraine faces shortages in air defenses.

   Why it matters

   The Kremlin is stockpiling weapons, which analysts suggest may lead to an increase in strike frequency. These attacks aim to plunge Ukrainian cities into cold and darkness during winter. The targeting includes high-value research sites and critical electricity pylons.

   What is confirmed

   • Seven people were killed in the attacks on the energy grid.
   • Emergency power cuts were imposed in Kyiv and three other regions.
   • The air campaign targeted power facilities and infrastructure around Kyiv and other regions.
   • This is the largest attack on Ukraine energy infrastructure since spring.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A Ukrainian scientist climbed to safety after being trapped in an inferno following a Russian strike.
   • A drone struck the Ukrainian Science Academy.
   • Russian strikes are likely to worsen as the Kremlin stockpiles weapons.

   What to watch next

   • Reports on the extent of power grid damage in the three affected regions
   • Ukrainian government announcements regarding winter heating preparations
   • Further deployment of specialized drone technology against infrastructure
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Reuters — Trapped in inferno after Russian strike, Ukrainian scientist climbed to safety
   2. The New York Times — Ukrainian Science Academy, Struck by Drone, Played Key Role in Research
   3. Reuters — Russian air strikes kill 3, injure 7 in and around Kyiv, officials say
   4. AP News — Russia pounds the Kyiv region, killing 4 and targeting the power grid
   5. The Kyiv Independent — Russia strikes Kyiv energy infrastructure, kills 3, injures 6 in overnight attack on Ukraine's capital
   6. bbc.com — Russia launches largest attack on Ukraine energy infrastructure since spring
   7. CBS News — Russian strikes on Ukraine are likely about to get worse as Kremlin stockpiles weapons, analyst says
   8. France 24 — Live: Several people killed as Russia launches new round of strikes on Kyiv
   9. pravda.com.ua — Emergency power outages introduced in Kyiv for first time this season
   10. The Kyiv Independent — Russia strikes Ukrainian pylon with steel-cutting drone for 1st time, as power outages hit 3 regions
   11. www.abc.net.au — Russia launches major attack on Ukraine's energy grid as winter looms, seven killed - ABC News
   12. www.cnbc.com — Russia launches massive strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid ...
   confidence 90%