Russia bombards Kyiv/ missile strikes on Kyiv/ Russian drone attack Kyiv/ Newslooks/ KYIV/ Ukraine/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukraine’s air defenses endured a five-hour Russian missile and drone assault on Kyiv, damaging the power grid and injuring two people. Russia also fired hypersonic missiles at western Ukraine, targeting sensitive sites. Long-range strikes continue to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches, creating widespread blackouts.
Russian Missiles and Drones Hit Kyiv in 5-Hour Assault: Quick Looks
- Kyiv endured a 5-hour Russian aerial attack, damaging a kindergarten, gas pipelines, and 20 cars.
- Russia fired hypersonic missiles at Starokostiantyniv in western Ukraine, hitting sensitive targets.
- Russian long-range strikes have severely affected Ukraine’s power grid, with 70% capacity knocked out.
- Two people were injured in the Kyiv attack, while 10 people were wounded in Zaporizhzhia, including a 14-year-old.
- A missile strike killed a 62-year-old woman in the Odesa region.
- Ukraine’s air defenses destroyed 66 drones and four missiles overnight.
- A 500-kg glide bomb was defused in Sumy, preventing further damage near a bridge.
Ukraine’s Power Grid Hammered in 5-Hour Russian Attack
Deep Look:
Ukraine faced another night of intense Russian missile and drone attacks as Kyiv endured a five-hour assault that targeted both civilian and critical infrastructure. Ukrainian air defenses worked tirelessly to intercept and destroy much of the incoming fire, but the strikes still left a trail of destruction, highlighting Russia’s ongoing strategy to weaken Ukraine by targeting its power grid.
Kyiv’s Military Administration reported damage to a kindergarten, a gas pipe, and around 20 cars across the city. The Ukrainian Emergency Service confirmed at least two injuries during the bombardment, while authorities raced to contain the fallout. Russia’s ongoing assault on the energy infrastructure has resulted in significant blackouts across Ukraine, bringing additional hardship as the country heads into winter. According to the United Nations, around 70% of Ukraine’s energy generation capacity has been knocked offline due to continued strikes.
Hypersonic Missile Strikes in Western Ukraine
Elsewhere in Ukraine, the Russian military employed some of its most advanced weaponry in the conflict. Three Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles, known for their precision and speed, were fired at Starokostiantyniv, a city in Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine. The Ukrainian air force refrained from providing further details, suggesting the missiles were aimed at a sensitive military or strategic site.
Attacks on Ukraine’s Power Grid
The strikes on Ukraine’s power grid have been a key tactic of Russia’s military campaign, now well into its third year. The attacks have left much of the country’s infrastructure in a fragile state, particularly as the colder months approach. In Ivano-Frankivsk, an attack caused widespread blackouts, with significant portions of the region’s capital plunged into darkness, according to Gov. Svitlana Onyshchuk.
A similar scenario unfolded in Mykolaiv, where the regional power grid was also targeted, although local authorities have not yet provided further details on the extent of the damage.
Deaths and Injuries in Southern and Eastern Ukraine
In addition to the strikes on Kyiv and the power grid, Russia’s relentless attacks have claimed more lives. In the Odesa region, a missile killed a 62-year-old woman, and homes and vehicles were severely damaged, according to regional Gov. Oleh Kiper. Meanwhile, in the city of Zaporizhzhia, 10 people were injured, including a 14-year-old, following a night of heavy shelling. Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov shared images of shattered homes and damaged buildings, illustrating the widespread destruction. Twelve residential buildings in the city were hit, forcing 18 people to evacuate for safety.
Air Defense Efforts and a Close Call in Sumy
Ukraine’s air defense systems have been a crucial component of the country’s survival, intercepting 66 Russian drones and four missiles during the most recent wave of attacks. Despite their success in downing the bulk of the incoming fire, the country continues to face near-constant pressure from Russian air assaults.
In the Sumy region, ordnance experts were able to defuse a 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) glide bomb that had failed to detonate when it landed near a bridge over the River Psel. The incident underscored the ongoing threat posed by unexploded ordnance in civilian areas.
Ukraine’s Ongoing Struggle for Air Defense Support
As the attacks continue, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., to push for ongoing U.S. military support, particularly for air defense systems. Ukraine has repeatedly requested additional aid to bolster its capacity to defend against aerial assaults, as strikes on the country’s infrastructure have been a major factor in Russia’s attempts to weaken its economy and military.
While Ukraine’s defenses have improved significantly, the sustained pressure from Russia’s drone and missile strikes has forced the government to call for continued international assistance to maintain its resilience.
