Russian forces have executed a significant wave of missile strikes against Ukraine, targeting the two largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv. The attacks, which occurred early on Tuesday, have resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left several others injured. Following the assaults, emergency power cuts have been implemented in Kyiv due to damage to critical infrastructure.
According to Ukraine’s grid operator, Ukrenergo, the emergency measures were necessary after a brief but intense missile barrage hit the capital. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, confirmed the scale of the attack, characterizing it as one of the most severe in recent months. The private energy company DTEK reported significant damage to equipment at one of its thermal power plants, further straining the already vulnerable energy system.
Ukrainian Telegram monitoring channels indicated that approximately 20 ballistic missiles were launched over a period of about one hour, marking this as potentially the most sustained strike in 2026. While the Ukrainian armed forces have yet to provide a detailed assessment of the attack, reports have emerged from various sources regarding the impacts on infrastructure and civilian areas. There has been no official comment from Russia regarding the missile strikes.
In Kharkiv, located just 30 kilometers from the Russian border, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that four fatalities occurred due to a strike on the outskirts of the city. He also noted that six additional individuals sustained injuries. The Ukrainian State Emergency Service stated that the Kharkiv attack targeted a postal terminal, resulting in the destruction of multiple buildings and igniting fires across an area of approximately 500 square meters. Emergency responders successfully rescued 30 people, including two individuals trapped under debris.
The situation in the southern port city of Odesa also deteriorated, with five people injured during the overnight missile assault. Initial reports indicated fires at several locations, including an unused building, a fitness center, and a vocational school. In the central industrial city of Kryvyi Rih, two individuals were injured as a result of another Russian strike that damaged civilian infrastructure, homes, and gas pipelines, according to the regional governor.
The ongoing conflict, which has seen Russia systematically target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the invasion began in February 2022, continues to create significant humanitarian challenges. Ukrainian air defense systems are under constant pressure to intercept these waves of missile strikes, which have intensified as winter approaches, further threatening electricity and heating supplies for civilians. As the situation evolves, the toll on both human lives and infrastructure remains a critical concern for Ukraine and its allies.
