Russian drones and missiles relentlessly struck Ukraine’s beleaguered energy system early Friday, leaving thousands without power and resulting in the death of a seven-year-old boy.

The aerial assault, which included hundreds of drones and nearly thirty missiles, disrupted electricity supplies across nine regions of Ukraine, plunging large areas of Kyiv into darkness.

Journalists from AFP in the capital reported experiencing several intense explosions overnight, along with power outages and interruptions to the water supply in various locations within the city.

President Volodymyr Zelensky described Russia’s recent attack on energy facilities as a “calculating and cynical assault,” calling on Ukraine’s allies to take tangible action in response.

The Kremlin has intensified its aerial bombardments of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and railway systems in recent weeks, escalating previous campaigns it conducted over the last three winters, which left many without heating during freezing temperatures.

Ukraine’s air force reported successfully intercepting 405 drones and 15 missiles.

There was no immediate response from Moscow regarding the attacks.

Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, indicated that Russian forces focused on “critical infrastructure,” resulting in a power outage in the eastern part of the capital. He also mentioned that water supplies had been affected.

Ukrainian police reported that approximately 29 individuals had sustained injuries in Kyiv and surrounding regions.

In addition, Russia launched strikes on the southeastern Zaporizhzhia area, claiming the life of a seven-year-old boy, according to Ivan Fedorov, the head of the regional military administration.

Ukraine’s Energy Ministry announced that repair efforts were underway for the damaged infrastructure, while also implementing power restrictions in several areas to alleviate pressure on the electrical grid.