Russia carried out another large-scale drone and missile assault on Ukraine overnight, targeting critical energy infrastructure and civilian sites, killing at least four people and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity during freezing winter temperatures, Ukrainian officials said.
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian forces launched nearly 300 drones, 18 ballistic missiles, and seven cruise missiles at eight regions across Ukraine. The attack marked the second major bombardment in just four days, underscoring Moscow’s intensified military pressure as the war nears its four-year anniversary.
Deadly Strikes in Kharkiv and Power Outages Near Kyiv
One of the deadliest strikes occurred in the northeastern Kharkiv region, where four people were killed at a postal depot, local authorities confirmed. At least 10 others were injured in the region.
In the Kyiv region, Russian strikes damaged power infrastructure, leaving several hundred thousand households without electricity. With temperatures dropping to –12°C (10°F), residents relied on generators as icy streets and blackouts gripped the capital.
Odesa Hit, Civilian Infrastructure Damaged
In the southern port city of Odesa, six people were injured, according to regional military administration head Oleh Kiper. He said the attack damaged energy facilities, a hospital, a kindergarten, an educational institution, and multiple residential buildings.
Ukrainian officials described the continued targeting of energy infrastructure as an attempt to “weaponize winter”, a strategy aimed at depriving civilians of heat, electricity, and running water during the coldest months.
U.S. Condemns Escalation Amid Peace Efforts
The attack came despite U.S.-led efforts to revive peace negotiations. On Monday, Washington accused Moscow of a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation” of the conflict.
At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce condemned Russia’s actions, citing “the staggering number of casualties” and the intensifying attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure.
Ukraine Calls for Faster Air Defense Deliveries
President Zelenskyy said Ukraine is urgently counting on faster deliveries of promised air defense systems from the United States and Europe, along with new military aid commitments, to counter Russia’s expanding aerial campaign.
Ukraine Strikes Back Inside Russia
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses shot down 11 Ukrainian drones overnight, including seven over the Rostov region. Local officials confirmed an attack on Taganrog, a city roughly 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Ukraine’s General Staff said domestically produced drones struck the Atlant Aero facility in Taganrog, a site involved in the production of Molniya and Orion unmanned aerial vehicles. Explosions and fires were reported, with damage to production buildings confirmed. The claims could not be independently verified.
