Russia launched its heaviest combined assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in months on Wednesday, October 1. Seven people were killed, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Emergency power cuts were imposed in Kyiv and three other regions, officials said. It was the first time since spring that such restrictions were ordered in the capital. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said it was the first massive and combined attack on energy infrastructure since the end of the last heating season. Reports said strikes hit facilities across several regions, with freezing night temperatures forecast for Kyiv in the coming days. Russia’s defence ministry said it had carried out a ‘massive strike’ on a communications centre in Kyiv, energy facilities and port infrastructure at Izmail. The attack comes as Ukraine braces for winter, when demand for electricity and heating peaks. Ukrainian officials have warned repeatedly that Russia could target power and heating systems again this cold season.