Russia deliberately targeted critical infrastructure in its latest wave of strikes on Kyiv, the city's mayor has said, after an overnight attack killed at least 17 people.
Blocks of flats and warehouses were struck across the city, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said, as rescue teams worked through the night to reach those trapped.
The mayor is reported to have said the attack was aimed at systems that keep the capital running, including energy and utilities, rather than being random in nature.
“Strikes on infrastructure are meant to wear down a city's ability to function, not just to destroy buildings.”
Residents in several districts were left without power or water for a period, while emergency crews tackled fires and searched collapsed buildings.
“We woke up to the sound of explosions and the whole building shook,” said one resident of an affected apartment block.
Ukraine's air defence units were active throughout the night, and officials said many incoming drones and missiles had been intercepted.
Kyiv has faced repeated large-scale attacks since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, with strikes on energy infrastructure intensifying ahead of colder months.
Moscow did not immediately comment on the strikes. Russia has said in the past that it targets military and related facilities and denies attacking civilians.
Ukrainian energy officials have warned that sustained attacks on power stations and distribution networks could lead to scheduled blackouts in the capital and other cities, and have appealed for further equipment and air defence support from allies.
City authorities said repair crews were working to restore services as quickly as possible, and urged residents to follow official guidance on shelters and alerts.
