Russian missile and drone strikes cut power to more than 600,000 people in Kyiv and nearby areas, killing three and injuring dozens. Later, Ukraine restored most electricity as both sides prepared for renewed peace talks amid Moscow’s continued troop‑withdrawal demands.
Over 600,000 people in and around Kyiv lost power after Russian missile and drone strikes hit energy sites.
Officials said the majority of outages—around half a million—occurred within the capital itself, with the rest affecting neighboring areas. The overnight assault damaged key energy infrastructure, knocking out electricity as temperatures continue to drop ahead of winter.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched roughly 36 missiles and about 600 drones toward multiple targets overnight. The strikes killed at least three people and injured several dozen others nationwide, Ukrainian authorities said.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it carried out a “massive strike” on Ukrainian military and power facilities. By midmorning, DTEK Energy restored electricity to over 360,000 Kyiv households while repairs continued.
Russian strikes damaged several residential buildings in Kyiv along with energy facilities. Emergency crews battled fires and cleared debris after explosions shook the city at dawn. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the blasts injured 29 people, including a 13‑year‑old girl.
Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 19 missiles and 558 drones overnight, according to the military. Despite those efforts, the latest barrage marks one of the heaviest attacks in recent weeks as Russia intensifies pressure on Ukraine’s power network.
The capital and other cities have endured repeated blackouts since the start of the full‑scale invasion in February 2022. With temperatures expected to hover near freezing in the coming days, authorities warned of further disruptions if strikes continue.
Ukraine’s security service said it struck two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, part of a “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions. A video showed a naval drone racing toward one vessel before an explosion and fire.
The escalation comes ahead of fresh diplomatic activity. Ukrainian negotiators were preparing to meet U.S. officials this weekend to discuss a proposed peace framework championed by President Donald Trump. The plan has reportedly been revised after feedback from Ukrainian and European representatives in Geneva.
President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed ongoing mediation efforts but reiterated that any settlement must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and future security.
Putin said Russia would end its offensive only if Ukrainian troops withdrew from territories claimed by Moscow, including Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. The Kremlin said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Moscow next week to discuss the plan.
