Russia strikes Kyiv energy grid and bridge before peace talks

Attacks damage power and bridge

Russian forces fired multiple waves of ballistic missiles and drones overnight Friday to Saturday. Explosions hit the Northern Bridge across the Dnipro River, forcing its closure. At least one person died and eight others were wounded in the assault. Authorities reported damage to homes and non-residential buildings throughout the capital region. Governor Tymur Tkachenko confirmed energy facilities in at least three districts suffered direct hits.

Moscow targets military industry sites

Russia's defence ministry stated it struck military-industrial sector targets alongside civilian infrastructure. Moscow used 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles to hit electricity substations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of trying to plunge the entire country into a blackout. Temperatures hovered near freezing while residents faced limited access to power and water. The city of Chernihiv was also plunged into complete darkness following further strikes.

Talks proceed despite violence

Such assaults take place several days ahead of fresh trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi involving Ukrainian and Russian representatives. The US-backed peace push has so far yielded few results according to reports. France 24 correspondent Emmanuelle Chaze noted people have about two to three hours of electricity per day. A recovery operation continues in the village of Komyshuvakha where a school was previously devastated.