Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – The Ukrainian capital was plunged into darkness early Friday by what the air force called a “massive attack”, as Russia pummeled Kyiv’s infrastructure, cutting off water and energy supplies.

The Kremlin has escalated aerial attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and rail systems over recent weeks, mirroring similar campaigns launched over the previous three winters that left people without heating in frigid temperatures.

AFP journalists in Kyiv heard several powerful explosions on Friday and experienced blackouts at their homes across different districts of the city.

“The capital of the country is under an enemy ballistic missile attack and a massive attack by the enemy strike drones,” the Ukrainian air force said, urging people in Kyiv to remain in shelters.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Russian forces had targeted “critical infrastructure” and wounded at least nine people, five of whom were taken to hospital.

“The left bank of the capital is without electricity. There are also problems with water supply,” Klitschko posted on Telegram.

Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk said Russian forces were “inflicting a massive strike” on the grid.

“Energy workers are taking all necessary measures to minimise the negative consequences,” Grynchuk wrote on Facebook.

“As soon as security conditions allow, energy workers will begin clarifying the consequences of the attack and restoration work,” she said.

Fearing an incoming hypersonic Kinzhal missile – which are harder to detect and intercept – Ukraine put the entire country on alert on Friday.

Russia also hit the southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia with at least seven overnight drone strikes, killing a seven-year-old and wounding at least three people, according to Ivan Fedorov, the head of the regional military administration.

A Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is expected to visit the United States early next week to discuss, among other topics, energy and air defense under intensifying Russian strikes.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Washington and NATO allies were “stepping up the pressure” to end the war in Ukraine, though his attempts to negotiate with Russia’s Vladimir Putin have so far failed to achieve a ceasefire.

Trump hosted Putin in Alaska in August, after which Russia’s attacks on Ukraine escalated.

Russia said this week that momentum towards a peace deal had largely vanished.