Kyiv, Ukraine — At least 12 people have been injured after a powerful overnight Russian attack struck Ukraine’s capital early Friday.
The massive strike from missiles and drones hit different parts of Kyiv, setting fire to 12 apartment buildings, according to their city mayor.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Energy Minister confirmed on social media that Russian forces indeed targeted major energy sites, causing widespread power outages across the capital.
Reports also said the attack cut off water supply in several neighborhoods, leaving many residents without basic services.
Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has launched around 1,500 attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure in recent days, with at least 160 successful strikes.
“They are being shot down. And they are being shot down hard…The energy sector must be protected, and we will protect it,” Zelensky stated.
The bombardment marks another escalation in Russia’s campaign targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, a strategy meant to pressure as the conflict between two nations reached its third and a half year.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his forces have already captured nearly 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year, roughly one percent of Ukraine’s land area.