Russia launched a ballistic missile strike on Kyiv's energy infrastructure on Wednesday, triggering explosions across the city.
Earlier Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned citizens of a "massive strike" during a nightly address, urging residents to seek shelter in basements, shelters, and subway stations.
The Ukrainian Air Force posted on Telegram that a ballistic missile was heading toward Kyiv and also warned of a missile aimed at Zaporizhzhia in the southeast. Power cuts were scheduled soon after the address, plunging parts of the capital into darkness to ease pressure on the battered grid.
Kyiv has faced a surge of Russian air strikes as winter approaches, with drones and cruise missiles targeting rail lines, road bridges, and energy facilities that keep the city running.
Residents like 38‑year‑old shopkeeper Oksana Turovskaya said she had to stay in her apartment's basement for three hours after the sirens blared. The next day, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is set to meet with the National Security and Defense Council to discuss counter‑measures and potential diplomatic responses to the escalating bombardment.