Russian overnight strike on Ukraine triggers Kyiv blackout

The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv was plunged into widespread darkness early Friday after an aerial assault by the Russian military affected energy facilities.

Ukraine’s air force advised residents to remain in shelters as it raised the alarm of “an enemy ballistic missile attack” during the offensive that involved many drones.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko substantiated the Russian forces’ strike on critical infrastructure. About ten people were wounded, five of whom were taken to the hospital.

“The left bank of the capital is without electricity. There are also problems with water supply,” Klitschko wrote in Telegram. Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk also confirmed the grid’s bombing.

The official said energy workers are taking all necessary measures to ease the effect and will clarify the consequences of the attack and restoration work once security conditions allow.

Reacting, Yuriy Boyechko, Hope for Ukraine founder, said Russia’s systematic campaign of energy terrorism reached a horrific new low overnight amid “Putin’s winter warfare strategy.”

The humanitarian stated that the passing of a 7-year-old boy, who succumbed to his injuries, exemplifies “how Moscow’s strategy of weaponizing winter directly murders innocent children.”

“This is not warfare—this is deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure to freeze and terrorize Ukrainian families as winter approaches,” Boyechko declared.

“The international community has the technology. The West must immediately provide Ukraine with the advanced air defense systems needed to close its skies and stop this energy terrorism.

“Ukraine needs more Patriot batteries, NASAMS systems, and long-range interceptors to protect critical infrastructure from Russian missiles and drones,” he urged.

Boyechko said every day of delay means more child deaths, more families freezing in darkness, and continued civilian suffering due to Moscow’s calculated destruction campaign.