Ukraine reports blackouts and water shortages after Russian drone and missile strike on Kyiv
Russia launched a large-scale attack on Kyiv's energy infrastructure, causing power outages, water disruptions and injuries, while President Zelensky appealed to the United States for increased support ahead of upcoming peace talks.
Russia carried out a coordinated strike on Kyiv overnight, employing 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles against electricity substations and a bridge over the Dnipro River. The attacks disrupted electricity, water and heating supplies in the capital and injured five people, including a 14-year-old girl.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes were intended to create a blackout across the city and the country. He urged the U.S. Congress to provide greater bilateral assistance, stating, "Ukraine must not be left alone. We are counting on increased bilateral support from the US."
The damage included substations in five regions, one of which links two nuclear power plants to Kyiv, and forced the closure of the Northern Bridge for repairs. Kyiv residents have endured prolonged power cuts and water interruptions over the past week.
Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine and the United States are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi later this week for peace talks. Zelensky expressed skepticism about the talks, telling CNN, "We don’t want to be divided by Russia," and emphasized that any security framework must follow an end to hostilities and credible guarantees for Ukraine.
The Russian defence ministry described the operation as targeting energy and transport infrastructure. Since the summer, Russia has increased air attacks on Ukrainian cities as its frontline advances have stalled.