Kyiv Hit by Massive Strikes as Russia Targets Infrastructure

Almost every district of Kyiv came under a “massive” attack on Friday morning, the city’s mayor said, as explosions were reported across the centre of the Ukrainian capital amid intensified Russian strikes on key infrastructure.

Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, has increased attacks on energy facilities, rail systems and residential areas in recent months.

Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the Kyiv regional military administration, said missiles and drones were targeting critical infrastructure across the capital.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko described the barrage as a “massive enemy attack”, confirming that air defence systems were actively responding.

At least 11 people were injured, five of whom were taken to hospital. Among them were a pregnant woman and a man reported to be in “extremely serious condition”.

Klitschko said sections of the city’s heating network had been damaged, leaving some buildings in the northeastern Desnyansky district temporarily without heat. He warned that electricity and water supplies could also be disrupted.

Military officials reported the use of tracer rounds against drones and the deployment of several anti-missile systems across the city.

“Russians are hitting residential buildings. There are many damaged high-rise buildings throughout Kyiv, almost in every district,” said Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city’s military administration.

Fires or structural damage were reported in eight of the capital’s 10 districts, with emergency medical teams deployed to each location. A blaze broke out on the roof of a five-storey residential building in the Solomyansky district, a major transport hub near Kyiv’s international airport.

Entrenched war

The attack came as Kyiv’s Western partners stepped up pressure on Moscow.

Earlier this week, Canada announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s drone manufacturing, energy production and infrastructure used for cyberattacks.

G7 foreign ministers also called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, reaffirming their “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The European Commission is reviewing plans to use part of Russia’s frozen assets to provide Kyiv with a loan for budgetary and military support over the next two years.

However, after nearly four years of war, both sides remain deeply entrenched. Moscow has rejected ceasefire proposals and efforts to revive peace talks.

Russian forces have continued their slow advance across eastern Ukraine, attempting to secure control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. This week, Russia claimed to have captured three more villages along the extensive front line, where it maintains an advantage in manpower and equipment.

Experts warn that renewed strikes on Ukraine’s energy network could leave millions vulnerable to heating shortages as winter approaches.