Ukraine faces nationwide power outages and civilian casualties after Russia launches one of its largest overnight missile and drone attacks, striking key energy and gas infrastructure.
💥 Russia Launches Overnight Assault on Ukraine, Killing Civilians
Ukraine is reeling from massive power outages after Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault overnight, targeting multiple regions with missiles and drones. The strikes killed at least two people and injured dozens more, according to Ukrainian authorities.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that nine regions came under fire in what he described as another “terror campaign” against Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure.
“The enemy once again targeted our energy grid to leave millions without light and heat,” said Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk.
🏚️ Drone Strike Devastates Dnipro Apartment Building
One of the most devastating incidents occurred in Dnipro, where a drone struck a nine-story residential building, killing two people and injuring 11 others.
Eyewitnesses described the moment of terror:
“There’s nothing here, just ordinary buildings,” said Maia, a survivor.
“All the shrapnel flew onto the bed where I was sleeping. I don’t know how I survived,” said another resident, Larysa.
Videos shared on social media showed a fiery explosion tearing through the night, followed by screams and chaos as residents fled the collapsing structure.
🚨 Record Number of Missiles and Drones Launched
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched 45 missiles, including ballistic Kinzhal weapons, and around 450 drones in the overnight barrage — one of the largest aerial assaults since the war began.
Only nine missiles were successfully intercepted, leaving dozens to strike energy facilities, homes, and gas plants.
“Twenty-six missiles and 52 drones hit 25 locations across Ukraine,” the military reported, citing heavy strikes in Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kyiv.
Ukrainian officials say ten people were killed and nearly 50 wounded in the past 24 hours as the attacks continued into Saturday morning.
⚙️ Ukraine’s Power Grid Under Siege
Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has become a primary target of Russian attacks this winter season. The Ministry of Energy confirmed emergency blackouts across multiple regions, affecting both households and border crossings.
The State gas company Naftogaz reported that this was the ninth large-scale strike on gas infrastructure since October, leaving parts of the network heavily damaged.
“Despite the enemy’s plans, Ukraine will have light and heat this winter,” said Energy Minister Grynchuk.
However, power outages forced temporary closure of border checkpoints, as customs databases went offline.
🔥 Russia Claims Strikes on Military and Energy Targets
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the attacks were a retaliatory response to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
It claimed to have targeted “enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and energy facilities supporting their operations.”
The ministry said the strikes used Kinzhal ballistic missiles and other high-precision weapons.
💸 Economic Fallout: Ukraine to Increase Gas Imports
With gas production sites damaged, Ukraine faces a growing energy crisis ahead of winter. Officials said they are negotiating with European partners to increase gas imports by 30% to compensate for domestic shortages.
“These attacks have severely damaged Ukrainian gas production,” Naftogaz stated, adding that imports will be “critical to keep homes heated.”
🌍 Zelensky Demands Global Sanctions on Russian Energy
President Zelensky called for tougher international sanctions on Russia’s energy exports in response to what he called “terror strikes on civilians.”
“For every strike by Moscow on energy infrastructure — aimed at harming ordinary people before winter — there must be a sanctions response targeting all Russian energy, with no exceptions,” Zelensky said on Saturday.
He urged Western allies to impose blanket bans on Russian oil, gas, and coal exports, arguing that energy profits are funding Moscow’s war machine.
🛡️ Ukraine Requests Stronger Air Defenses
Following the latest assault, Kyiv renewed its plea for advanced air defense systems and long-range missiles.
Ukraine’s request for U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles was reportedly denied by President Donald Trump last month, but officials say talks are ongoing with European allies.
“We need more systems to protect our cities and grid,” said a senior Ukrainian defense official.
Ukraine has also intensified drone and missile attacks on Russian refineries, pipelines, and substations, targeting energy facilities in Volgograd and Kursk in recent weeks.
On Saturday, a Ukrainian drone strike hit a substation in Volgograd, temporarily cutting power before repairs were completed, according to regional governor Andrey Bocharov.
⚖️ Escalation Risks: Energy War Enters a New Phase
Analysts warn that both countries are now locked in an escalating energy war, where power plants, pipelines, and refineries have become key battlefields.
Each attack on energy infrastructure risks plunging millions into darkness and further destabilizing the region’s economy.
Energy experts say the strikes are designed to exhaust Ukraine’s repair capabilities, making it dependent on European energy imports and international aid.
🕯️ “Despite the Darkness, Ukraine Will Endure”
Despite the widespread blackouts, Ukraine’s leaders struck a defiant tone, promising that the country will survive the winter and continue resisting Russia’s assault.
“Even if Moscow tries to turn out our lights, it cannot extinguish our spirit,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
Humanitarian agencies are preparing emergency shelters and heating points as temperatures drop, while Ukraine’s engineers work around the clock to restore power and gas supplies.
🪶 SEO Summary:
Massive Russian missile and drone attacks hit Ukraine’s power and gas infrastructure, causing nationwide outages and civilian casualties. Zelensky calls for tougher sanctions as Kyiv seeks stronger air defenses and emergency gas imports before winter.
