Russian forces have launched a major combined missile and drone attack against Ukraine, firing 36 ballistic missiles and 172 drones at critical infrastructure across the country, leaving nine people injured, including a child.
All 36 ballistic missiles were directed at Kyiv and the surrounding region, while the wider assault affected 13 regions. Energy infrastructure was the primary target, causing significant disruptions to electricity, water and heating supplies in the Ukrainian capital.
Residential buildings were damaged, the Northern Bridge in Kyiv was hit, and a kindergarten was partially destroyed during the attacks.
Power Substations Damaged Across Ukraine
Several electricity substations were struck during the assault, including facilities linking the Rivne and Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plants to Kyiv and central Ukraine.
Other damaged substations were reported in Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Kharkiv and Dnipro regions.
Although Ukraine is currently generating more electricity than it consumes, damage to substations and power transmission networks has created significant supply shortages in Kyiv and other affected areas.
Four Ballistic Missiles Hit Kyiv’s Northern Bridge
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that Russian forces had specifically targeted bridges spanning the Dnipro River, from Kyiv to Zaporizhzhia.
The Northern Bridge in Kyiv was among the structures attacked during the latest bombardment. According to Zelenskyy, Russia fired six ballistic missiles at the bridge, with four making direct impacts.
He also attributed some of the damage caused by Russia’s ongoing ballistic missile campaign to Ukraine’s shortage of Patriot air defence missiles.
Repair and Rescue Operations Continue
Emergency responders and repair teams are continuing operations in affected regions wherever security conditions permit.
Efforts are focused on restoring damaged infrastructure and maintaining essential services, particularly electricity, water and heating supplies as Ukraine prepares for winter.
Ukraine Seeks Increased US Military and Security Support
Following the latest attacks, Zelenskyy called for increased bilateral assistance from the United States and greater attention to Ukraine from the US Congress.
He urged both major American political parties to maintain a united position on security assistance, support for Ukraine, condemnation of Russian aggression and stronger sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Ukrainian president said continued American commitment would be important in efforts to bring the war closer to an end.
Ukraine Prepares for November International Security Meetings
Ukraine is also preparing to participate in several international security meetings scheduled for November, including the G7, the Coalition of the Willing and the Ramstein format.
The country intends to use the meetings to secure additional support, with air defence capabilities and energy infrastructure protection identified as the main priorities.
