Post by : Rameen Ariff

Russia has intensified its airstrikes on Ukraine, focusing on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure and rail networks in a move described by Ukrainian officials as a “massive attack”. Early Friday, explosions shook the Ukrainian capital, plunging large areas into darkness as residents experienced power and water outages.

The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Kyiv was under attack by ballistic missiles and enemy strike drones, urging citizens to take shelter immediately. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that Russian forces targeted critical infrastructure, injuring at least nine people, five of whom were hospitalized. “The left bank of the capital is without electricity. There are also problems with water supply,” he said on Telegram.

Energy and safety response
Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk stated that Russian forces were delivering a massive strike on the national power grid, and energy workers were taking all necessary measures to minimize the damage. She added that restoration work would begin as soon as security conditions allowed.

Ukraine also placed the entire country on alert fearing hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which are difficult to detect and intercept. Meanwhile, southeastern Zaporizhzhia suffered at least seven drone strikes overnight, killing a seven-year-old child and injuring at least three others, according to regional head Ivan Fedorov.

Psychological and economic impact
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia aims to create chaos and apply psychological pressure on the Ukrainian population by crippling energy facilities and railways. The attacks have strained Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, forcing authorities to increase imports, while Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russian territory have reportedly pushed fuel prices higher.

In Belgorod, Russia, a Ukrainian strike on a power station also caused power outages, escalating tensions along the border. Russia accused Ukraine of rupturing a pipeline near the frontline used for ammonia transport, releasing toxic gas. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the incident posed no immediate danger to local residents.

Evacuations and frontline strategy
Due to the intensifying attacks, Ukrainian authorities ordered evacuations in Kramatorsk, the largest civilian hub in the Donetsk region under Kyiv’s control. In Sloviansk, local officials advised children and elderly people to leave areas frequently targeted by drone strikes.

Russia has increasingly deployed first-person-view (FPV) drones, which are small, cheap, and highly effective in targeting critical infrastructure, changing the dynamics of the conflict along the front line.

International response
A Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is expected to visit the United States next week to discuss energy security and air defense amid rising Russian attacks. US President Donald Trump stated that Washington and NATO allies are stepping up pressure on Russia to end the war, although previous negotiations with Vladimir Putin have failed to achieve a ceasefire.

The Kremlin has signaled that momentum toward a peace deal has largely vanished, and airstrikes on Ukraine continue to escalate, targeting key infrastructure and civilian areas.

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