Russia launched 36 ballistic missiles and 172 drones in an overnight assault that damaged Kyiv’s power network, water and heating systems just days before Ukrainian, Russian and U.S. negotiators are scheduled to meet.
The strikes hit Kyiv and other regions early Saturday, Nov. 7, damaging energy facilities, homes, businesses and a major bridge across the Dnipro River. Reuters, citing Ukrainian authorities, reported that at least two people were killed and roughly a dozen were wounded nationwide.
Only four ballistic missiles were intercepted
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said air defenses intercepted only four of the 36 ballistic missiles. Ukraine’s air force said 149 of the 172 drones were brought down.
The difference between the missile and drone interception rates highlights a recurring vulnerability. Ballistic missiles travel at high speed on steep trajectories and require specialized interceptors that Ukraine says remain in short supply.
Zelenskyy appealed for greater U.S. support and stronger sanctions, saying Russia was increasing pressure before the planned negotiations. The figures were reported by both Reuters and The Associated Press.
Kyiv faces electricity, water and heating problems
Ukraine’s Energy Ministry said the attack seriously damaged networks that carry electricity from two nuclear power plants to Kyiv and central regions. The ministry did not say the nuclear plants themselves were struck.
Officials reported outages in Kyiv and the surrounding region, with additional disruption in Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk. The problems came on top of rolling blackouts already used to protect the grid.
Temperatures around the capital were nearing freezing, raising the urgency of restoring electricity and heat. Kyiv authorities said water pressure had been stabilized while repair work continued.
Northern Bridge damaged and closed
Several missiles damaged Kyiv’s Northern Bridge, a major route connecting central areas with large residential districts on the eastern bank of the Dnipro. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the bridge was closed while crews assessed the damage and began repairs.
The closure adds a transportation problem to the energy emergency in a metropolitan area of more than 3 million people. Russia has expanded recent attacks to include bridges and other infrastructure, complicating movement through the capital.
Casualties reported across Ukraine
Reuters reported at least two deaths and approximately a dozen injuries across the country, based on statements from regional and national authorities. The Associated Press, publishing earlier in the developing situation, reported at least nine people wounded, including a child.
Homes, commercial properties and other civilian buildings were damaged. Officials were still assessing multiple impact sites, so casualty and damage figures could change.
Russia says it targeted military-linked infrastructure
Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed a large strike but described its targets as military-industrial, energy and transportation facilities. Moscow said the Northern Bridge was used to move weapons, equipment and military personnel.
Those claims could not be independently verified. Ukraine said critical civilian energy systems were damaged and accused Russia of trying to push Kyiv and other regions toward a blackout.
Attack comes days before Abu Dhabi talks
Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. officials are scheduled to meet Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi for a new round of American-backed negotiations. It would be the fourth round brokered by the Trump administration, following talks in Geneva in February.
The process has not resolved the central disputes over territory, security guarantees and the future size and alignment of Ukraine’s military. Western governments have been searching for a new formula to move the negotiations forward.
Saturday’s barrage adds immediate pressure to those discussions. Kyiv says the timing shows Moscow is using attacks on infrastructure as leverage. Russia maintains that it is striking targets connected to Ukraine’s war effort.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine reported 36 ballistic missiles and 172 drones in the overnight assault.
- Ukrainian officials said four missiles and 149 drones were intercepted.
- Energy infrastructure supplying Kyiv and central Ukraine suffered serious damage.
- Kyiv’s Northern Bridge was damaged and closed for repairs.
- At least two deaths and roughly a dozen injuries were reported nationwide by Reuters.
- U.S.-brokered talks are scheduled in Abu Dhabi next week.
The immediate priorities are restoring essential services, inspecting the bridge and determining the full human and physical toll. The political question is whether the attack hardens positions before the talks—or increases pressure on all sides to find a workable path toward ending the war.
