Explosive missile strikes hit Kyiv amid Ukraine power crisis
A series of explosions were heard on Sunday morning in Kyiv during a massive missile attack by Russia on various targets in Ukraine. Explosions also occurred in Odesa, Zaporizhia, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Cherkasy.
6:31 AM EST, November 17, 2024
"Air defense is operational in Kyiv. Please remain in shelters until the alert ends," appealed Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, on Telegram.
According to him, the first explosions occurred around 8:13 PM Eastern Time. Several minutes later, more explosions followed.
The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, reported that the attack caused a fire in the city's central part due to debris from a downed missile.
Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine
The Ukrainians reported that the Russians are attacking Ukraine using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and cruise missiles launched by aircraft, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
As Kyiv Independent reported, missiles landed in areas including the Pechersk district, where a residential building was destroyed.
More recordings and photos are appearing online from the Kyiv Metro, which has served as a shelter since the beginning of the war.
Target of Russian attacks is the energy system
The target of Russia's massive missile attack on Ukraine is the energy system; emergency power outages are being implemented, informed Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko on Sunday morning.
Lights went out in some districts of Odesa, in southern Ukraine. Trams and trolleybuses stopped in the city.
"The enemy is attacking energy generation and transmission facilities across Ukraine. The transmission system operator has urgently implemented emergency power outages. Where possible, rescuers and energy workers are already working to eliminate the effects," Halushchenko wrote on Facebook.
On Sunday morning, air raid alarms were active across all of Ukraine.
Source: PAP/Kyiv Independent/X/WP
