Russia launched its heaviest combined assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in months this week. Seven people were killed. Emergency power cuts hit Kyiv and nearby regions. The strikes were reported on October 1-2.

State grid operator Ukrenergo imposed emergency power cuts in Kyiv and three surrounding regions. It was the first such measure in the capital since spring. Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi said Russia had escalated to massive strikes on energy infrastructure. Critical infrastructure came under attack in five regions.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed seven people were killed, including a child. The attack involved a combination of drones and missiles.

Ukrainian officials fear the strikes open a winter campaign against the power grid. Winter attacks last year left millions without heat and power. With freezing temperatures forecast in Kyiv in the coming days, the attacks threaten to plunge cities into cold and darkness.

Utility crews are working to restore power. Western partners have pledged more air-defence support for the winter months. Civilians have been urged to prepare for possible outages.

The war is now in its fourth year. Energy remains one of the most contested fronts of the conflict.