Ukraine was hit by what officials are calling the most powerful missile strike since the start of Russia’s military operation, leaving multiple cities in darkness and further worsening the country’s energy crisis.
Reports indicate that several “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles targeted key military and energy infrastructure across the nation on the evening of November 8.
The attacks caused widespread blackouts in major cities including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv, sparking scenes of chaos and fear as residents struggled to cope without power.
Kyiv Plunges into Darkness
Loud explosions were heard across Kyiv as the missile strikes unfolded, prompting immediate emergency measures.
Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shariy confirmed significant disruptions to the capital’s power supply, while UNIAN reported large-scale blackouts across the city.
According to Ukrenergo, the national energy company, an emergency shutdown resulted in a complete blackout for Kyiv.
Power supply across the country has been unstable since mid-October, following previous missile attacks that affected multiple regions.
Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv Also Go Dark
The blackout was not limited to Kyiv. Reports from the Operation Z: Military Correspondents Telegram channel noted that Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv were also severely affected.
Local media described a sudden plunge into darkness, with residents relying on headlamps and portable lights to move around.
“Electricity is disappearing everywhere. Complete darkness is falling over Ukrainian cities,” one report said, capturing the sudden and total disruption to everyday life.
Energy Infrastructure Hit Hard
Ukraine’s state-owned Tsentrenergo confirmed that all of its thermal power plants had suspended operations in the aftermath of the strike.
The Zmiyivska, Pridneprovskaya, and Tavricheskaya thermal stations, along with the Kremenchuk Hydroelectric Power Station, were reportedly targeted.
Military sites were also affected, including the Vasylkiv Air Base and the Antonov Airfield in Gostomel, both near Kyiv.
The dual focus on energy and military infrastructure highlights the scale and coordination of the attack.
Recent Attacks Compound Energy Crisis
This month alone, Russian forces destroyed the Burshtyn Thermal Power Plant in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, one of Ukraine’s largest energy facilities.
War correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny noted that the strike severely limited electricity supplies across Kyiv-controlled territories.
With rolling blackouts now implemented in most regions, Ukrenergo confirmed that the worst shortages are in Kyiv, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv.
Residents have already experienced full blackouts twice in October, showing the ongoing strain on Ukraine’s energy grid.
Ukrainians Struggle Amid Worsening Power Shortages
The combination of continuous missile strikes and damaged power plants has left millions of Ukrainians coping without reliable electricity.
Cities remain in partial or complete darkness, and residents are increasingly reliant on backup lighting and alternative energy sources.
Officials warn that with the attacks targeting both energy and military sites, Ukraine may face prolonged instability in electricity supply unless rapid repairs and reinforcements can be made.