Severe Russian Strikes Leave Over 600,000 Without Power in Ukraine

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:49:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An overnight attack involving missiles and drones by Russian forces has resulted in widespread power outages across Kyiv and its surrounding regions, as the winter months approach.

More than 600,000 residents of Ukraine were left without power following a significant Russian offensive that targeted energy infrastructure. Despite some restorations, many cities are bracing for further assaults as diplomatic negotiations continue. Kyiv's Mayor reported injuries, including that of a child, as explosions rocked urban areas amid escalating military confrontations.

More than 600,000 people in the Kyiv region of Ukraine were without power on Saturday morning after an overnight Russian attack.

Ukraine's energy ministry stated that the majority of those affected were in Kyiv itself, with the remainder in the surrounding areas. The power outages have been attributed to missile and drone strikes targeting energy infrastructure across the city.

Around 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones were reportedly launched on Ukraine overnight, leading to the tragic loss of three lives and injuries to dozens of others.

These intensified assaults on Ukrainian civilian facilities coincide with the onset of winter, following efforts by the US and allied nations to facilitate a peace deal.

The Russian defense ministry has declared these strikes as a significant offensive against Ukraine's military-industrial capabilities and the energy infrastructure that supports them.

Dtek Energy, which serves the Kyiv area, announced that power had been restored to over 360,000 homes by the end of Saturday.

Alongside energy infrastructure, several residential buildings have sustained damage from the strikes. Loud explosions echoed through Kyiv early on Saturday, drawing emergency services to burning buildings.

Kyiv's mayor, Vitaly Klitschko, reported that a 13-year-old child was among the injured, with a total of 29 people reported as hurt in the capital.

Ukrainian Air Force officials stated that they successfully shot down 558 drones and 19 missiles during the incident.

Kyiv has faced regular aerial bombardment since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Many citizens continue to cope with power outages as previous winters have similarly seen strikes targeting energy infrastructure.

Accuracy in future forecasting is critical as temperatures in Kyiv are set to drop to around 2°C in the coming days, with December often bringing sub-zero conditions.

In retaliation, Ukraine has targeted Russian energy infrastructure, including oil refineries and storage facilities, aiming to disrupt funding for Moscow's military efforts.

As negotiations with US officials occur this weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes the need for conditions preserving Ukraine's sovereignty as crucial for any peace talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that any cessation of military operations would require an unconditional withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from territories claimed by Moscow.