Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a strong reaction to the massive Russian attacks carried out on January 8–9, stressing that Russia is deliberately exploiting freezing winter conditions to strike Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian facilities.
According to Zelensky, the assault involved more than 200 drones, 13 ballistic missiles targeting energy and civilian sites, 22 cruise missiles, and a medium-range Oreshnik ballistic missile, which was used again—this time against the Lviv region near the European Union’s borders.
He described the attacks as a clear and systematic tactic aimed at devastating cities and leaving civilians without electricity, heating, and water in the middle of a severe winter.
Deadly Impact on Kyiv and Other Regions
The attack on Kyiv was particularly severe. Four people were killed, including an ambulance worker and other emergency personnel, while 25–30 individuals were injured, among them doctors, rescuers, and police officers.
More than 20 high-rise residential buildings were damaged, along with the Qatar Embassy building—a country involved in facilitating prisoner exchanges—as well as a tram depot, a supermarket, a fuel station, a kindergarten, and numerous vehicles.
While Kyiv was the main target, the strikes also affected Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Lviv, and other regions across Ukraine.
Emergency Repairs and Call for International Action
Zelensky emphasized that repair crews are working at maximum capacity nationwide, including in Kyiv and the Kyiv region, Dnipro, Lviv, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv, in order to restore power and heating as quickly as possible.
He sharply criticized Moscow’s disregard for diplomacy and the United States, stating that Russia’s actions clearly demonstrate its lack of respect for international diplomacy and Washington in particular.
Zelensky reiterated that the attacks have no military justification, accusing Russia of intentionally terrorizing civilians and attempting to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people. He called for a clear and immediate response from the international community, especially from the United States, which he said Russia takes seriously, and urged continued and strengthened support for Ukraine’s air defense systems.
