By Harshit
KYIV, Nov. 29 —
More than 600,000 people across the Kyiv region were plunged into darkness early Saturday after a wave of Russian missile and drone strikes crippled critical energy infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said. The sweeping overnight attack — one of the largest in recent weeks — struck multiple regions as Russia intensifies pressure on Ukraine heading into winter, where temperatures are already beginning to fall toward freezing.
A Devastating Overnight Assault
Ukraine’s energy ministry confirmed that more than half a million of those without power were in Kyiv city alone, with the remainder spread across surrounding districts. Initial assessments indicate that the disruption was caused by significant damage to electrical substations and distribution lines hit directly or indirectly during the bombardment.
In total, Ukrainian authorities reported Russia launched 36 missiles and nearly 600 attack drones across the country throughout the night. Three people were killed and at least 29 injured in Kyiv, including a 13-year-old, officials said.
Loud explosions reverberated across the capital beginning before dawn, forcing residents into shelters as air defense systems attempted to intercept incoming weapons. Emergency services were later spotted battling fires through thick plumes of smoke rising from residential buildings damaged by successful strikes.
Russia Targets Energy Infrastructure Amid Peace Talks Pressure
The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the assault, describing it as a “massive strike” aimed at Ukrainian military-industrial facilities and the energy systems supporting those operations. Ukrainian officials rejected that claim, pointing to widespread damage in residential neighborhoods and civilian energy nodes.
This latest barrage highlights a familiar strategy: Russia escalating attacks on electrical infrastructure just as temperatures drop. Kyiv is forecast to see temperatures around 2°C on Sunday, with averages expected to fall well below freezing through December — conditions that previously brought rolling blackouts and harsh living conditions to millions.
The strikes also come at a sensitive diplomatic moment, as Ukrainian negotiators prepare for discussions this weekend with U.S. officials in pursuit of a draft peace framework. The plan, pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump, reportedly began with significant concessions to Russia before being revised through joint talks with Kyiv and European allies in Geneva.
Humanitarian Strain as Winter Looms
For thousands of Kyiv residents, the morning brought a grim familiarity. Many have endured repeated power cuts since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, and the city’s energy grid — though reinforced in recent months — remains vulnerable.
Emergency repair crews are working to restore electricity as temperatures continue to fall. Residents across several districts reported losing heating and water pressure, though authorities said backup systems were preventing a complete shutdown of essential services.
The Ukrainian capital’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, urged people to “stay aware and stay safe” as emergency responders worked through the day. Evacuation from several damaged apartment blocks continued into the afternoon as firefighters extinguished remaining fires.
Cause and Spread of Damage Under Investigation
Ukraine’s Air Force reported it intercepted 558 drones and 19 missiles — a high but not complete defense against what officials describe as a deliberate attempt to overload air defenses. The exact cause of failure at certain energy facilities remains under review.
Earlier inspections at struck buildings revealed collapsed walls, shattered windows, and exposed wiring, raising concerns about further hazards as temperatures drop and fires smolder. Ukraine’s interior ministry said specialist teams are inspecting damaged sites to prevent secondary accidents.
War Advances Toward a Diplomatic Crossroads
The escalation coincides with renewed global efforts to halt the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the diplomatic initiative but insists any roadmap must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and future security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Thursday that Russia would only halt its offensive if Ukrainian forces withdrew from territories claimed by Moscow — including large parts of the Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. U.S. and European officials have instead pushed for a freeze based on existing front lines.
Putin also confirmed that a U.S. delegation, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, is expected in Moscow next week for further discussions on the proposed peace plan.
For now, Kyiv’s residents face another winter of uncertainty — navigating darkness, freezing temperatures, and continued bombardments as diplomatic efforts unfold far from the front lines.
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