A massive Russian missile and drone attack has slammed into the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, plunging parts of the city into darkness and causing a number of casualties, according to local officials.
The assault, which began in the early hours, involved a combination of cruise missiles and Iranian-made Shahed drones, overwhelming the city's air defences. The relentless barrage has sparked multiple fires and caused significant damage to key infrastructure.
City Plunged into Chaos
Air raid sirens wailed across Kyiv as residents were urged to seek immediate shelter. The sound of powerful explosions echoed through the streets, shaking buildings and shattering windows. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that several residential areas had been struck, leading to casualties, though the exact number remains unclear.
"There are people under the rubble. All emergency services are working on the site," Klitschko stated, highlighting the severity of the attack on civilian areas.
Widespread Power Outages and Damage
The onslaught has had a devastating impact on the city's energy grid. Widespread power outages have been reported, leaving thousands of households without electricity. Water supplies have also been disrupted in several districts, creating a critical humanitarian situation.
Emergency power generators have been activated at hospitals to ensure life-saving equipment remains operational. The scale of the damage suggests a deliberate Russian strategy to target energy infrastructure as winter approaches, aiming to break the morale of the Ukrainian people.
International Condemnation and Resilience
This large-scale attack is likely to draw further international condemnation against the Kremlin. World leaders have consistently denounced such strikes on civilian centres as war crimes.
Despite the terror and destruction, the spirit of resilience in Kyiv remains unbroken. Civilians are aiding rescue efforts, and the message from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to be one of defiance, vowing that such attacks only strengthen Ukraine's resolve to win the war.
