Russia launches major attack on Kyiv, disrupting power, water and heating; five injured

Russian strikes on Kyiv's energy and water infrastructure have created a difficult situation. To counter the threat of infectious disease, Ukrainians are responding with their own mini power plants, large generators, and emergency wells, reports WELT correspondent Christoph Wanner.

President Zelensky had warned of attacks on energy facilities and Dnipro bridges just the previous evening. Only a few hours later, a Russian wave of attacks hit Kyiv.

Kyiv Faces "Extremely Difficult" Power Situation

Following a heavy Russian attack on energy facilities, the Ukrainian capital Kyiv is struggling with massive power supply problems. Water and district heating supplies have also been affected, Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on Saturday morning. The power supply situation is "extremely difficult."

According to Klitschko, the attacks targeted energy facilities in the capital's surrounding area and in the neighboring Zhytomyr region, among other locations. In the regional capital of Chernihiv, north of Kyiv, there was a complete power outage according to Ukrainian reports.

Casualties and Damage

According to Klitschko, five people were injured in the attacks in Kyiv, including a 14-year-old child. The Kyiv North Bridge over the Dnipro was damaged and temporarily closed. A video published by Klitschko showed damage to the roadway and guardrails. Overhead power lines for trolleybuses were also torn down. Repair work has begun. The city of three million is divided by the Dnipro, so the loss of key bridges significantly affects traffic between the two halves of the city.

Russian Defense Ministry Statement

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the bridge was attacked because it also serves Ukrainian military transports. According to Russian reports, a factory for the Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile, the Trypillia power plant south of Kyiv, and a substation in the Zhytomyr region were also attacked. According to the Ukrainian military, air defenses intercepted four ballistic missiles and 149 of 172 Russian combat drones overnight.

Zelensky's Prior Warning

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned of new Russian attacks on energy facilities and other infrastructure. Intelligence information indicated impending attacks "against the energy sector, against our bridges over the Dnipro, and against civilian infrastructure," Zelensky said. He again called for interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system.

Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Targets

Ukraine, for its part, attacked targets in Russia. According to the Russian regional administration, the oil refinery in Saratov on the Volga was attacked. Videos on social media showed fires on the refinery grounds. Reports indicate that an arms factory in Oryol, southwest of Moscow, was also hit.

Talks Planned Days Away

The attacks come just days before new talks on a possible end to the war. Trilateral talks between representatives of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. Representatives of the European Union are not expected to participate.

Source: dpa/AFP/krö