Kyiv: Ukraine on Friday said Russian forces had launched a “massive attack” on the capital Kyiv, causing power outages as Moscow struck at the national energy grid.

“The capital of the country is under an enemy ballistic missile attack and a massive attack by the enemy strike drones,” the Ukrainian air force said, urging residents to remain in shelters.

AFP journalists in Kyiv reported hearing multiple powerful explosions and experiencing power cuts in different districts of the city.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Russian forces targeted “critical infrastructure,” injuring at least nine people, five of whom were hospitalised. “The left bank of the capital is without electricity. There are also problems with the water supply,” he added on the Telegram platform.

Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk said Russian forces were “inflicting a massive strike” on the grid. “Energy workers are taking all necessary measures to minimise the negative consequences,” she said on Facebook. She added that restoration work would begin as soon as security conditions allow.

Russia also struck the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region with at least seven drone attacks, injuring three people, according to Ivan Fedorov, head of the regional military administration.

Aerial attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and rail networks have escalated in recent weeks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that Moscow was attempting to “create chaos” by targeting energy and transportation infrastructure.

In response, Ukraine has intensified its own drone and missile strikes on Russian territory, a tactic Zelensky said was producing results and contributing to rising fuel prices in Russia.

AFP inputs