Russia launched a series of drone and ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine overnight, causing significant damage to the country’s energy infrastructure and leaving tens of thousands of residents in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odesa without essential services such as heating, electricity, and water, according to officials.
The attacks targeted Ukraine’s power grid during the winter season, resulting in prolonged power outages and cold conditions in major cities amid freezing temperatures. In Kyiv, approximately 3,500 apartment buildings lost heating due to the latest assault, affecting nearly 2,600 high-rises in addition to the 1,100 already impacted by previous strikes, as reported by Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
DTEK, a private energy company, stated that over 100,000 families were left without electricity after one of its thermal power plants was attacked, although the specific location was not disclosed. The assault in Kyiv led to injuries to two individuals and damage to a residential building.
Ukraine’s air force confirmed that Russia launched 24 ballistic missiles, one cruise missile, and 219 drones during the onslaught. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted or neutralized 16 missiles and 197 drones.
In Odesa, nearly 300,000 people faced water shortages as the attacks disrupted power supply, with Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba noting that approximately 200 buildings were left without heating in the strategic Black Sea port city. The assault also resulted in damage to an apartment building and a fire at a local market, causing injuries to one person.
Meanwhile, in Dnipro, a combined missile and drone strike injured four individuals, including a baby boy and a four-year-old girl, according to regional governor Oleksandr Ganzha. Tragically, two people lost their lives and six others were wounded during an attack on the railway hub of Lozova in the northeastern Kharkiv region bordering Russia, as confirmed by prosecutors.
Despite Moscow denying intentional targeting of civilians, the ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the recent attacks, emphasizing the detrimental impact on peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump to end the longstanding conflict.
Efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution through US-backed trilateral talks between Ukraine and Russia have faced challenges, with key differences remaining unresolved. Moscow continues its offensive operations and assaults on Ukrainian cities, hindering diplomatic progress. Sybiha urged for serious diplomatic engagement from Russia to de-escalate the situation and prioritize peace.
