At least four people were killed as Russia launched its most intense aerial assault on Ukraine so far this year, unleashing a wave of missile and drone strikes that severely damaged the country’s energy infrastructure and caused widespread power outages.

The overnight barrage targeted major urban centers, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, with Ukrainian officials confirming significant disruptions to electricity supplies in the capital. In Kharkiv, strikes hit critical infrastructure sites, including a postal terminal, triggering fires and structural damage. Emergency services reported that dozens of people were rescued from affected buildings amid the chaos.

Authorities described the attack as a deliberate attempt to cripple Ukraine’s power grid during a period of heightened military pressure. Explosions were heard across multiple districts, and air defense systems were activated throughout the night as Ukrainian forces attempted to intercept incoming missiles and drones.

Smaller-scale strikes were also reported in southern Odesa and the central city of Kryvyi Rih, expanding the geographic scope of the assault. While damage assessments are still ongoing, officials warned that restoration efforts could take time due to the scale and coordination of the attacks.

The latest barrage underscores Russia’s continued focus on targeting civilian infrastructure, a strategy aimed at undermining Ukraine’s resilience and morale. Ukrainian officials reiterated calls for additional air defense support from Western partners, warning that sustained attacks on the energy grid pose serious humanitarian and economic risks as the conflict grinds on.