Russia has launched its biggest aerial attack on Ukraine in some time, targeting power plants and energy infrastructure in Kyiv and many other locations. The strikes occurred as temperatures dropped below -20C (-4F) overnight, leaving over 1,000 tower blocks in the capital without heating once again, and severely damaging a power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia was 'choosing terror and escalation' over diplomacy to resolve this conflict, calling for 'maximum pressure' from Ukraine's allies on Moscow.
This attack follows the expiration of a so-called 'energy truce' agreed by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin over the weekend. Coincidentally, it occurred on the same day NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Kyiv to meet with President Zelensky and address the national parliament.
Trump's initiative aimed to provide diplomatic engagement a chance, with new negotiations set to take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. However, the current aggression indicates otherwise from Russia.
Explosions were reported in Kyiv shortly after midnight, and air raid alerts lasted for over seven hours. Residents sought refuge in metro stations, some constructing makeshift tents on the platforms to shield from the intense cold.
Zelensky reported that more than 70 ballistic and cruise missiles, alongside 450 drones, overwhelmed Ukraine's air defenses, with only 38 missiles intercepted, allowing numerous missiles to hit their targets. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly expressed concern over a shortage of missile supplies, crucial for air defense, primarily relying on US-made Patriot missiles.
Zelensky asserted on social media, 'Timely delivery of missiles for air defense systems and the protection of normal life are our priority. Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war.'
He accused Moscow of exploiting the coldest days of winter to 'terrorize people.' The private power company DTEK confirmed that two of its power plants were struck in what they described as the ninth massive attack since October.
While teams of engineers labor tirelessly to repair the energy infrastructure, there aren't enough workers to meet the demand. Residents continue to suffer as many experience weeks without heating, often having to use soup kitchens for hot meals amid chronic power outages.
Frustration exists towards Russia's intent to break the spirit of the Ukrainian populace, with many vowing to resist any form of surrender or compromise. As one uncomfortable resident remarked, 'Russia won't get what it wants. We are stronger than them in any case.'
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia was 'choosing terror and escalation' over diplomacy to resolve this conflict, calling for 'maximum pressure' from Ukraine's allies on Moscow.
This attack follows the expiration of a so-called 'energy truce' agreed by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin over the weekend. Coincidentally, it occurred on the same day NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Kyiv to meet with President Zelensky and address the national parliament.
Trump's initiative aimed to provide diplomatic engagement a chance, with new negotiations set to take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. However, the current aggression indicates otherwise from Russia.
Explosions were reported in Kyiv shortly after midnight, and air raid alerts lasted for over seven hours. Residents sought refuge in metro stations, some constructing makeshift tents on the platforms to shield from the intense cold.
Zelensky reported that more than 70 ballistic and cruise missiles, alongside 450 drones, overwhelmed Ukraine's air defenses, with only 38 missiles intercepted, allowing numerous missiles to hit their targets. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly expressed concern over a shortage of missile supplies, crucial for air defense, primarily relying on US-made Patriot missiles.
Zelensky asserted on social media, 'Timely delivery of missiles for air defense systems and the protection of normal life are our priority. Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war.'
He accused Moscow of exploiting the coldest days of winter to 'terrorize people.' The private power company DTEK confirmed that two of its power plants were struck in what they described as the ninth massive attack since October.
While teams of engineers labor tirelessly to repair the energy infrastructure, there aren't enough workers to meet the demand. Residents continue to suffer as many experience weeks without heating, often having to use soup kitchens for hot meals amid chronic power outages.
Frustration exists towards Russia's intent to break the spirit of the Ukrainian populace, with many vowing to resist any form of surrender or compromise. As one uncomfortable resident remarked, 'Russia won't get what it wants. We are stronger than them in any case.'
