Almost every district in Kyiv experienced a ‘massive’ attack, according to Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, as Russia escalated its assaults on infrastructure. At least 11 individuals sustained injuries, with five requiring hospitalization, including a pregnant woman and a man in “extremely serious condition.” Since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has specifically targeted Ukrainian energy facilities, rail systems, and residential areas in recent months. Mykola Kalashnyk, the head of the Kyiv regional military administration, reported that missiles and drones were aimed at critical infrastructure in the capital on Friday. Mayor Vitaly Klitschko described the situation as a “massive enemy attack,” noting that air defense forces were actively engaged. “Sections of heating networks were damaged,” he stated, indicating that some buildings in the northeastern Desnyansky district were temporarily without heat. He also mentioned that electricity and water supplies might be affected.
“Russians are striking residential buildings. Numerous high-rise structures across Kyiv have sustained damage, nearly in every district,” stated Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the city’s military administration, on social media. Klitschko reported incidents of fires or damage to buildings in eight out of Kyiv’s ten districts, indicating that medical emergency teams were dispatched to all affected areas. A fire erupted on the roof of a five-storey residential building located in the Solomyansky district, which serves as a transport hub near Kyiv’s international airport. This attack occurs as Kyiv’s Western allies intensify their pressure on Russia. On Wednesday, Canada announced new sanctions aimed at Russia’s drone and energy sectors, as well as the infrastructure utilized for launching cyberattacks. On the same day, G7 foreign ministers urged for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, expressing their “unwavering” support for the nation’s territorial integrity. The European Commission is contemplating the use of a portion of Russia’s assets that were frozen following its invasion to offer Kyiv a loan for budgetary and military assistance over the next two years.
However, following nearly four years of conflict, both parties have become deeply entrenched, with Moscow dismissing calls for a ceasefire and the initiatives by US President Donald Trump to rejuvenate a long-stalled peace agreement. Russian troops have been advancing through eastern Ukraine for several months, attempting to seize control of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Russia announced that it had taken three additional villages along the extensive front line, where it is leveraging its superiority in personnel and equipment. Analysts indicate that Russia’s recent attacks on energy infrastructure are jeopardizing Ukraine’s ability to maintain heating during the upcoming winter months.
