Russia Pounds Ukraine's Capital…Large-Scale Bombing Just Before Ceasefire Delegation's U.S. Visit

Uk Jin

Summary

Russia carried out a large-scale bombing of Ukraine's capital Kyiv, causing significant damage to energy infrastructure.
As a result, power was cut to about 600,000 households, and economic uncertainty increased.
The attack, which occurred just before the Ukrainian ceasefire delegation's U.S. visit, is said to be a factor causing investment unease along with worsening power conditions.

Ukraine: "3 Killed by Russian Attack"

Russia, before Ukrainian ceasefire delegation's U.S. visit

Large-scale bombing causes power supply disruptions

Russia carried out a large-scale bombing of Ukraine's capital Kyiv. The attack, which came ahead of the Ukrainian ceasefire delegation's visit to the United States, reportedly left multiple casualties.

On the 29th (local time), Reuters and others reported that Ukrainian officials said three people were killed and nearly 30 injured in Russia's overnight drone and missile attacks around Kyiv. With attacks concentrated on energy facilities, power was cut to about 600,000 households.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia used about 36 missiles and about 600 drones in the attacks that day.

Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv's mayor, told the AP that debris from intercepted Russian drones fell on residential areas, injuring more than 10 people and cutting power to western parts of Kyiv.

Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's foreign minister, pointed out, "While everyone is discussing the terms of a peace plan, Russia continues to pursue a 'war plan' of murder and destruction."

A Ukrainian government delegation led by Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, headed to the United States on the 28th (local time) to meet Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who is leading mediation of the ceasefire talks, to discuss the detailed terms of a ceasefire proposal.

Analysts say Ukraine's worries can only deepen. Russia's persistent attacks targeting energy facilities have continued at a time when Andriy Yermak, who effectively led the wartime administration as President Zelensky's "right-hand," has fallen amid corruption allegations.

Reuters reported that as power conditions worsen, households in Ukrainian cities have recently often been supplied with electricity for only eight hours a day. Kyiv's streets are reportedly filled with the roar of portable generators and the smell of diesel fuel, and streetlights often go out, with pedestrians using flashlights.

Daeyoung Kim, Hankyung.com reporter kdy@hankyung.com