Russian forces launched a fifth consecutive day of aerial attacks on Kyiv and surrounding regions on Monday, striking warehouses and disrupting civilian life as Ukraine grappled with jet-powered drone strikes. The strikes, which included a deadly attack on a warehouse near Kyiv on Friday that killed at least 38 people, prompted Russia’s Defense Ministry to announce plans for "massive strikes" on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in retaliation.
Russia targets energy sites after Kyiv warehouse strike
Russia’s Defense Ministry stated on Sunday that it was preparing "massive strikes" against Ukrainian energy facilities, framing the action as a response to ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure. The warning followed a Russian strike on a warehouse in the village of Myla, west of Kyiv, which Ukrainian officials described as the deadliest attack of the year. The strike triggered fires and explosions, killing 38 and leaving four people missing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the storage of ammunition near civilian areas, calling it "terrible negligence."
Ukraine faces shortages and disrupted schooling amid drone campaign
The intensified aerial assaults have left supermarket shelves bare in Kyiv after repeated strikes on warehouses, while air raid alerts have severely disrupted daily routines. Almost constant alerts in the Kyiv region have raised concerns about the resumption of in-person schooling, with classes scheduled to restart on Tuesday. Ukraine’s Education Ministry reported that about 1 million textbooks were destroyed in Russian attacks on publishing houses, potentially delaying deliveries for the start of the school year. Schools have air raid shelters and can also hold classes online.
Zelenskyy acknowledged on social media that Ukraine is struggling to counter fast-flying jet-propelled drones, which Russia has increasingly deployed. Between Thursday and Sunday, Russia fired nearly 1,500 drones at Ukraine, with approximately 800 of them jet-powered. Combat aircraft are currently attempting to intercept the jet-powered versions while Ukraine develops more effective countermeasures. Four companies have developed interceptor drones, with one company leading in effectiveness.
Civilian impact and cross-border strikes
The attacks have also extended beyond Ukraine, with a missile strike on the Russian city of Belgorod killing two people and injuring 16. Acting Governor Alexander Shuvayev attributed the attack to Ukraine, stating that a commercial facility was hit, setting ablaze seven warehouses. Meanwhile, Ukraine has targeted major Russian online retailers, including Wildberries and Ozon, accusing them of aiding the military, claims the companies deny.
Ukraine has also pursued long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and logistics hubs to raise the cost of the war for Moscow and test President Vladimir Putin’s resolve after more than four years of conflict. Ukrainian officials, drone executives, and national security experts have warned that the country could face energy shortages this winter due to the intensified strikes on infrastructure.