Russia launched a major wave of missile and drone attacks against Kyiv and surrounding areas, killing at least four people and damaging energy infrastructure as Ukraine prepares for the coming winter.
The overnight strikes on Sept. 30 targeted the Ukrainian capital and the wider Kyiv region, with officials reporting damage to residential areas, businesses and critical infrastructure. A child was among those killed in the Kyiv region, while three other people died in and around the capital.
Ukrainian officials said the power grid was among the main targets. The attacks caused outages in Kyiv and surrounding areas, while emergency crews worked to restore electricity to affected households.
Energy company DTEK said its infrastructure had been damaged and that electricity was restored to about 8,000 customers in Kyiv’s left-bank area. Ukraine’s state grid operator also warned of power restrictions following the attacks.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched nearly 190 drones and missiles during the assault, including ballistic missiles and newer jet-powered drones. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting five missiles and 155 drones.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces struck energy facilities, including power plants and an electrical substation, as well as other infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities did not independently confirm all of the Russian military’s reported targets.
The strikes come as Ukraine faces renewed concerns about its energy supply ahead of winter. Russian attacks on power and heating infrastructure during previous winters caused widespread electricity and heating disruptions, making the condition of the grid a major concern as temperatures fall.
Kyiv experienced prolonged air-raid alerts during the assault, while smoke spread across parts of the capital. Authorities also reported damage to homes and other civilian properties.
The attacks have already prompted emergency power restrictions. Ukrenergo announced scheduled electricity limitations for some regions on Oct. 1, citing the difficult condition of the power system following attacks on energy facilities.
Ukrainian officials have appealed for additional air-defense systems as Russia continues using large numbers of drones and ballistic missiles. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said stronger air defenses would be increasingly important as winter approaches.
The latest strikes mark another escalation in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with authorities now working to repair damaged facilities and maintain electricity supplies as the country enters the colder months.
