More than 10 explosions rocked the capital Kyiv early this morning, minutes after the Ukrainian air force warned of incoming ballistic missiles. Air defense fire resonated across the city. Several explosions continued in Kyiv about 40 minutes later. RBC Ukraine noted that Russia also deployed jet unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack Kyiv before and after launching ballistic missiles, causing explosions to occur almost continuously.

Russia's ballistic missile attack caused power outages in Kyiv areas, including Pechersk district. Local news channels added that some districts, especially on the east bank of the Dnieper River, were completely without power.

A moment of power outage in a Kyiv area in a video posted on 30/9. Video: X/SU_57R

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that at least two people were injured in the attack. He added that fires broke out in the Sviatoshynsky district of the city, and emergency response forces are deploying to the scene. According to Kyiv Governor Tymur Tkachenko, Russia's missile and UAV attack killed one child and injured three people, damaging warehouses, residential buildings, cars, and infrastructure.

The open-source intelligence monitoring network Faytuks News stated that Russia attacked many Ukrainian power plants with both ballistic missiles and Geran-5 jet UAVs. Two air defense systems fired to counter Russian ballistic missiles launched at Kyiv. "The exact impact locations and specific damage are unknown," the organization added.

AMK Mapping, an X account specializing in open-source intelligence on the conflict, assessed that Russia launched 7 Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 4 modified RM-48U rounds from the S-400 air defense system, two Zircon hypersonic missiles, and 6 Oniks-M supersonic anti-ship missiles. So far, only the Patriot system has been confirmed to have launched PAC-3 rounds and intercepted one Oniks-M missile. Targets attacked included the CHP-5 and CHP-6 thermal power plants in the south and northeast of the capital Kyiv, along with the Kyiv hydroelectric power plant in Vyshhorod city and the Trypillya thermal power plant in Ukrainka city, all located in Kyiv province.

Russia also appeared to deploy dozens of Geran-4/5 jet UAVs to attack energy infrastructure in the Kyiv region.

Fire in Kyiv after the Russian attack in a video posted on 30/9. Video: Times of Ukraine

Both sides have frequently attacked each other with missiles or UAVs since the start of the conflict. Russia has intensified attacks on the capital Kyiv since August, including during daylight hours, to deplete Ukraine's air defense network.

Flames rise after a Russian attack on Ukraine in a photo posted on 30/9. Photo: X/AMK Mapping

Russia also intensified the deployment of jet-powered Geran UAV versions. Compared to older propeller-driven piston engine versions, the new variants have higher ceilings and speeds, posing significant challenges for Ukraine's mobile air defense units. The Ukrainian military is seeking new methods to counter Russian jet UAVs, including developing interceptor drones using similar engines.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented.

Pham Giang (According to Kyiv Independent, RBC Ukraine, Reuters)