Thu Sep 26 13:54:19 UTC 2024: ## Russia Launches Overnight Attack on Ukraine, Targeting Power Grid and Infrastructure
**KYIV, Ukraine** – Russia launched a wave of attacks on Ukraine overnight, targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas, resulting in injuries and widespread damage. The Ukrainian air defense system engaged in a five-hour battle against missiles and drones, ultimately destroying most of the incoming projectiles.
The capital, Kyiv, was hit particularly hard, with officials reporting damage to a kindergarten, a gas pipeline, and around 20 cars. At least two people were injured in the city.
In western Ukraine, Russia fired three Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles, one of its most advanced weaponry, towards the city of Starokostiantyniv in the Khmelnytskyi region. The air force confirmed the attack but declined to disclose further information, suggesting the missiles were targeting a sensitive location.
The attacks on energy infrastructure, a hallmark of Russia’s ongoing military campaign, continue to cripple Ukraine’s power grid, leaving an estimated 70% of its generation capacity offline. This comes as winter approaches, exacerbating the already dire situation for Ukrainian citizens.
The targeting of energy infrastructure was also reported in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region, causing blackouts in parts of the regional capital. The southern Mykolaiv region also suffered damage to its power grid.
Overall, Russia launched six missiles and 78 Shahed drones against Ukraine, of which four missiles and 66 drones were intercepted by Ukrainian defenses.
The attacks resulted in civilian casualties, including a 62-year-old woman killed by a missile in the Odesa region and at least 10 injured in Zaporizhzhia, including a 14-year-old.
The latest attacks underscore the continued threat posed by Russia’s military campaign and highlight the urgent need for international support, particularly in the form of air defense systems, to help Ukraine protect its critical infrastructure and civilian population.
First Piper 