A Russian ballistic missile struck Kyiv's CHP-4 power plant on October 13, killing at least two people. President Zelensky stated Ukraine received no advance warning from Western allies, despite a recent US-announced energy ceasefire.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
A Russian ballistic missile struck the Darnytska CHP-4 power plant in Kyiv on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2026, killing at least two people and wounding around 20 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the attack occurred without advance warning from Western allies, raising questions about the effectiveness of a recent "energy ceasefire" announced by US President Donald Trump.
The missile targeted the Combined Heat and Power Plant No. 4 (CHPP-4), a key facility supplying electricity and heating to parts of Kyiv. According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the strike also hit a nine-story residential building in the Desnianskyi district, causing a fire. Klitschko reported that one person was killed and 13 injured in the strike on the apartment block, with four people in serious condition. Other sources, including France 24, reported at least two deaths and around 20 wounded in the broader attack.
Zelensky noted that Ukrainian defense systems detected the incoming missiles only as they were nearing the city. "This is absolutely unjust: when they are destroying our infrastructure, and Ukraine is not even receiving early warnings about ballistic missile launches," Zelensky said on Facebook. He added that intelligence sources indicated Russian forces were preparing additional ballistic launches.
The lack of early warning has intensified scrutiny on intelligence sharing between Ukraine and its partners, particularly the United States. Ukraine relies heavily on Western intelligence to detect incoming Russian attacks. Following strikes on Monday night, speculation arose that the US had cut off access to key intelligence. US President Donald Trump denied this on Tuesday, stating, "We are helping them and we are sharing intel."
However, Zelensky emphasized the critical nature of advance intelligence given the short flight time of ballistic missiles. "The facts show that the Russians do not consider themselves bound by what the President of the United States said," Zelensky wrote. "Ukraine supported an energy ceasefire. Russia is targeting yet another power plant and the lives of our people."
The strike occurred two days after President Trump announced on his Truth Social network that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an "energy ceasefire" to end long-range strikes on power plants and oil refineries. Trump has previously criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and suggested on Saturday that it was "time for Ukraine to get a new president."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded to the ceasefire announcement by stating that Ukraine does not deserve the "respite," arguing that Europe would continue to supply Ukraine with weapons. Meanwhile, Zelensky stated that a 60-day ceasefire would allow Ukraine to hold presidential elections.
The attack on CHPP-4 underscores the fragility of diplomatic efforts to protect critical infrastructure during the conflict. With Kyiv facing increasing attacks on energy facilities, the absence of advance warnings from allies complicates civil defense efforts and highlights the ongoing tension between military realities and diplomatic announcements. The incident also places pressure on the US administration to clarify its stance on intelligence sharing and the enforcement of the proposed ceasefire.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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