Kyiv: At least 10 people were killed and dozens more injured after Russia launched a massive overnight barrage of drones and missiles across Ukraine, striking residential areas and critical energy infrastructure just as winter temperatures begin to drop. The wave of coordinated attacks comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to travel to Turkey for high-stakes talks aimed at advancing a political settlement to the years-long conflict.
Ukrainian officials reported widespread power outages following hits on substations, heating facilities, and emergency services hubs. Several regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro, experienced severe disruptions, further heightening humanitarian concerns as millions brace for bitter winter conditions.
The timing of the barrage underscores what analysts describe as Moscow’s ongoing strategy to pressure Ukraine by crippling energy systems, especially during periods of intense diplomatic engagement. While frontlines have remained largely static in recent months, Russia has intensified long-range assaults designed to erode civilian resilience and strain Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Zelenskyy’s upcoming talks in Turkey are expected to revolve around security guarantees, territorial stability, and humanitarian corridors, though expectations remain cautious. The latest attacks are likely to cast a shadow over negotiations, reinforcing the urgency for international guarantees and military support.
Global leaders swiftly condemned the strikes, with several Western nations calling for additional air-defense systems and financial aid for Kyiv. Humanitarian groups warned that continued infrastructure attacks could trigger one of the harshest winters for civilians since the conflict began.
The escalation highlights the widening gap between diplomatic overtures and battlefield realities, raising concerns about whether meaningful progress toward de-escalation is possible under the current security climate.
