On the night of 19 October 2026, Russian forces launched a large-scale combined attack on Ukraine, using, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 16 ballistic missiles and over 200 drones of various types. The main targets were energy facilities and critical infrastructure in Kyiv, the Kyiv region and other regions. More than ten energy facilities were damaged, leaving at least 550,000 households without electricity. Residential buildings, a medical facility, a school and a metro station were also damaged as a result of the strikes. Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine had once again not received advance warning from its partners about the Russian ballistic missiles, and called on its allies to strengthen their air defences.
- On 19 October, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine.
- Zelenskyy reported 16 ballistic missiles and over 200 drones.
- More than 10 energy infrastructure facilities have been damaged.
- According to the president, at least 550,000 families were left without electricity.
- In Kyiv, residential buildings, a medical facility, a school and the underground have been damaged.
Russia launched several waves of ballistic missiles at Kyiv
Pros. in words Vladimir Zelensky, the Russian attack continued throughout the night and took place in several waves. The main ballistic strike was directed against Kyiv and the Kyiv region. The President reported that 16 ballistic missiles, as well as hundreds of drones, including jet-powered variants of the «Shahed».
In its morning update, the Ukrainian Air Force reported separately on 269 drones of various types, including 59 jet-powered ones, as well as the use of ballistic and cruise missiles. As of 09:00, Ukrainian defenders had shot down or neutralised 243 drones and four cruise missiles.
According to the military, Air strikes were recorded at 25 locations, whilst debris from downed targets fell on a further eight.
Civilian infrastructure in the capital was damaged during the attack. Fires broke out in the Desnianskyi, Dniprovskyi and Solomianskyi districts, and damage to buildings and transport infrastructure was reported.
More than 550,000 households have been left without electricity
Energy infrastructure was one of the main targets of the Russian attack.
According to Zelenskyy, Russian troops attacked energy infrastructure in 11 regions of Ukraine overnight and this morning:
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Vinnytsia, Volyn and Kirovohrad;
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Kyiv, Mykolaiv and Zhytomyr;
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Khmelnytskyi, Kharkiv and Ternopil;
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Odesa and Rivne.
The President stated that more than ten energy infrastructure facilities had been damaged. As a result of the strikes, at least 550,000 households were left without electricity.
Emergency repair teams are working at the affected sites. Power company staff are inspecting the equipment, carrying out repairs and trying to restore the electricity supply as quickly as possible.
The stated number of households without power reflects the President’s assessment of the impact of the attack and may change as the power grid is restored.
A metro station, a medical facility and residential buildings have been damaged in Kyiv
Russian strikes caused damage in several districts of the Ukrainian capital. It is known that a private medical facility, an educational institution, a sports venue, residential buildings and the underground network have been damaged.
In the Desnianskyi district, the «Chernihivska» metro station and the surrounding infrastructure have been damaged. As a result of the attack, train services on part of the Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska line have been temporarily restricted.
In the Solomyanskiy district, a fire broke out on the third floor of a medical facility located in a multi-storey building. Firefighters extinguished the blaze.
In the Dnipro district, educational establishments and sports facilities.
According to the capital’s emergency services, one person was killed and eight others were injured as a result of the night-time attack. Details of the impact of the shelling in other regions are still being confirmed.
Zelenskyy stated that the partners had once again failed to give advance warning of the ballistic missile launches
The President of Ukraine also drew attention to the lack of advance warning from international partners regarding Russian missile launches. According to Mr Zelenskyy, this is not the first time that Russian ballistic missiles have struck Ukrainian cities without prior notification from allies.
The Head of State had previously explained that intelligence regarding ballistic missile launches is of particular importance for the protection of the population, as such missiles can reach Ukrainian cities in a matter of minutes. The absence of a warning about a specific attack does not automatically mean a complete cessation of intelligence-sharing between Ukraine and its partners.
On 18 October, Zelenskyy announced the resumption of US intelligence support following temporary restrictions. The reasons for the lack of warning during the new attack on 19 October have not yet been fully established.
The President criticised the easing of sanctions against Russia
Commenting on the aftermath of the night-time strikes, Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine had supported its partners’ diplomatic proposals aimed at bringing an end to the hostilities. He stated that Kyiv had responded positively to initiatives for a ceasefire, whilst Russia continued to attack Ukrainian cities and energy sector.
In the President’s view, the Kremlin’s actions demonstrate the Russian leadership’s unwillingness to take genuine steps towards de-escalation. Zelenskyy also criticised the situation in which deliveries of missiles for Ukraine’s air defence are being delayed or blocked, whilst Russia is being granted relief from or a postponement of certain sanctions.
The President called on international partners to assess diplomatic initiatives in the light of Moscow’s actual actions and to provide Ukraine with the necessary means of defence against ballistic missiles.
Power supply is being restored following overnight strikes
Damage to more than ten energy facilities has placed an additional strain on the Ukrainian power grid, which had already been subjected to numerous Russian attacks throughout October. Repair work is being carried out in regions where the security situation allows repair teams to operate.
The final deadlines for the restoration of electricity supplies will depend on the extent of the damage and the availability of the equipment required for repairs. The Ukrainian authorities are urging citizens to keep an eye on announcements from local authorities, electricity distribution system operators and official power cut schedules.
