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 were launched as temperatures dropped below minus 20C (-4F) overnight, leaving more than 1,000 tower blocks in the capital without heating once again and damaging a power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv beyond repair. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia was choosing terror and escalation rather than diplomacy to end this war and called for maximum pressure on Moscow from Ukraine's allies.
The attack follows a so-called energy truce that expired at the weekend. It coincided with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's visit to Kyiv for discussions with military officials and President Zelensky. Zelensky accused Russia of using the cold of winter to terrorize the population. More than 70 ballistic and cruise missiles were launched in the offensive, alongside 450 drones aimed at overwhelming Ukraine's air defenses.
In total, only 38 missiles were intercepted, suggesting many struck their targets, while ongoing shortages of missiles and military resources complicate Ukraine's defense efforts.
Residents of Kyiv spent the night sheltering in metro stations, as nighttime temperatures plummeted. Reports of severe damage to residential buildings have emerged, leaving many people injured due to debris.
With sustained military pressure from Russia, Zelensky implored for urgent supplies of air defense systems to protect civilians, emphasizing that without consistent support from allies, the war's resolution remains bleak.
The attack follows a so-called energy truce that expired at the weekend. It coincided with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's visit to Kyiv for discussions with military officials and President Zelensky. Zelensky accused Russia of using the cold of winter to terrorize the population. More than 70 ballistic and cruise missiles were launched in the offensive, alongside 450 drones aimed at overwhelming Ukraine's air defenses.
In total, only 38 missiles were intercepted, suggesting many struck their targets, while ongoing shortages of missiles and military resources complicate Ukraine's defense efforts.
Residents of Kyiv spent the night sheltering in metro stations, as nighttime temperatures plummeted. Reports of severe damage to residential buildings have emerged, leaving many people injured due to debris.
With sustained military pressure from Russia, Zelensky implored for urgent supplies of air defense systems to protect civilians, emphasizing that without consistent support from allies, the war's resolution remains bleak.
