Russian Defense Ministry says large-scale strike targeted energy facilities supplying power to Ukraine's military-industrial sector
An electrical station near the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in central Kyiv caught fire during a massive missile strike by Russia, Ukrainian media reported on Wednesday.Photos published by local outlets showed a large column of black smoke rising near the Khreshchatyk metro station and Bankova Street, where the presidential office is located.
In response to the attack, an air raid alert was issued across Ukraine, according to an online map tracking missile strikes.
Energy Minister Roman Galushchenko announced preventive power outages due to the scale of the assault.
Explosions were reported in several regions, including Poltava, where an X-101 missile reportedly struck the Mirgorod airfield. More explosions were heard in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv regions.
A strike is also said to have targeted an airport in Cherkasy, which is used by Ukrainian aircraft conducting operations against Russian forces in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
Commenting on the strikes on Telegram, Zelenskyy claimed that the primary target was Ukraine's energy sector, including "gas infrastructure and energy facilities that ensure a normal life for people."
According to him, Russia had launched over 40 missiles, including ballistic types, of which at least 30 were intercepted and destroyed. More than 70 Russian attack drones were deployed during the assault, he said.
"Thanks to our air defense and all the units involved, we are maintaining the operation of our energy system," he said, emphasizing the need for Ukraine's Western partners to fulfill their commitments to enhance the country's air defense capabilities.
"The promises made by our partners during the NATO summit in Washington and the Ramstein format have not yet been fully implemented. We have also discussed licensing the production of air defense systems and anti-missiles, which could serve as one of the effective guarantees of security for Ukraine. This is achievable and must be fulfilled," Zelenskyy added.
- Moscow confirms attack
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the large-scale strike, saying it targeted energy facilities supplying power to Ukraine's military-industrial sector.
"This morning, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation conducted a coordinated strike using precision weapons and drones against critical gas and energy infrastructure supporting Ukraine's military-industrial complex. The objectives of the strike were achieved, with all designated targets successfully hit," the ministry said in a statement.
Separately, the ministry said Russian forces, specifically the Tsentr (Center) group, had taken control of the village of Ukrainka in the Donetsk region.
Independent verification of claims from both sides remains difficult due to ongoing hostilities.
