Kyiv: In the early hours of October 10, 2025, Russia carried out a significant military offensive targeting Ukraine, with central Kyiv bearing the brunt of the attacks. Missiles and drones struck residential high-rises and critical energy infrastructure, igniting fires and plunging several districts into darkness. The assault caused widespread disruptions to electricity and water supply, further straining the daily lives of Kyiv residents as winter approaches.
The Pecherskyi district of Kyiv was particularly affected, where a high-rise apartment building caught fire on its 6th and 7th floors. Emergency services rushed to contain the blaze, which left nine people injured, five of whom required hospitalization. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that the attack resulted in power outages and damage across multiple districts, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the assault on civilian areas. Fragments from downed drones were reported to have struck other parts of the city, raising concerns about further potential casualties.
Ukraine’s energy sector also suffered heavy damage. Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk reported that several key facilities were hit, disrupting electricity supply and causing additional challenges for emergency and repair operations. Analysts say these attacks are part of a deliberate Russian strategy to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter, aiming to exacerbate civilian hardships and weaken the country’s resilience.
The strikes extended beyond Kyiv. In southeastern Ukraine, the city of Zaporizhzhia experienced drone attacks that injured three people and triggered at least one residential fire. Regional authorities confirmed the assaults, signaling a broader campaign affecting multiple urban centers rather than isolated incidents.
This latest wave of attacks reflects an escalation in Russian tactics, combining drones and missile strikes to maintain constant pressure on Ukraine’s territories. The international community has voiced concerns about the humanitarian impact and the potential for further destabilization. As Kyiv and other affected cities work to restore essential services, Ukraine continues to call for international support to bolster defense measures and protect civilian infrastructure from ongoing assaults.
The timing of the attacks, just before the onset of winter, underscores the strategic intent behind Russia’s targeting of energy and residential sites, aiming to challenge Ukraine’s capacity to endure sustained conflict while maintaining civilian morale.