The operation follows warnings from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia was preparing an attack and a request for urgency from the US and Europe to provide anti-ballistic missile defenses. This mission, timed around Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday on October 7, is the first large-scale use of strategic bombers since September 8. Russia has focused on power infrastructure throughout the week, including hitting the Kyivska electric substation five times prior to this overnight raid.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Russia Hits Ukrainian Power Grid With First Strategic Bomber Attack Since September
War14 days ago
A coordinated missile strike targeting the Trypillya Thermal Power Plant and other energy facilities in Dnipro and Kremenchuk began at midnight. About 20 missiles were launched in the initial wave, including 4 Zircon hypersonic and 6 Iskander-M ballistic missiles, while 13 strategic Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers are airborne to deploy cruise missiles. At least six ballistic missiles targeted Kyiv, causing multiple explosions and a large fire in the Pochaivna District, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
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