A massive wave of Russian attacks crashed over Ukraine overnight, targeting the nation’s vital energy infrastructure with a record barrage of missiles and drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported over 70 missiles – including 32 ballistic and 28 cruise – alongside more than 450 attack drones, impacting eight regions from Kyiv to Kharkiv.
The assault unfolded just one day before planned peace talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia were scheduled to resume in Abu Dhabi. The scale of the attack suggests a deliberate escalation, timed to coincide with a brutal cold snap gripping the country.
In Kharkiv, a drone strike ignited a fire in a residential high-rise, injuring five and forcing the rescue of three more residents. Across Ukraine, the relentless bombardment threatened to plunge hundreds of thousands into darkness and freezing temperatures, some already below -20°C (-4°F).
Zelenskyy sharply criticized the timing, suggesting Russia exploited a recent proposal for a temporary halt to strikes – not to foster diplomacy – but to amass weaponry for a winter offensive. He accused Russia of strategically waiting for the coldest days to maximize the impact on civilian populations.
The attacks followed statements by former President Trump regarding an alleged agreement with Vladimir Putin to pause attacks on energy infrastructure for a week. However, Russia resumed strikes several days before the supposed pause expired, with devastating consequences, including an attack on a maternity ward and a bus carrying miners, resulting in twelve deaths.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko described the attacks as a calculated attempt to “freeze civilians into surrender,” emphasizing the deliberate targeting of essential services during a period of extreme cold. She also highlighted the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense systems in intercepting a significant portion of the incoming projectiles.
As Ukraine prepares for the upcoming negotiations in the United Arab Emirates, Zelenskyy indicated that his negotiating strategy would be reassessed in light of the renewed aggression. The meetings, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, will involve U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterpart, Kirill Dmitriev.
Recent discussions between Witkoff and Dmitriev in Florida were described as “constructive,” with Witkoff expressing optimism about Russia’s potential commitment to securing peace. However, the current escalation casts a long shadow over these hopeful pronouncements.
Throughout Monday night, Ukrainians sought refuge in subway stations and underground shelters as air raid sirens wailed across the country. The chilling reality is that, amidst diplomatic efforts, the threat to civilian life remains immediate and terrifying.
With temperatures plummeting to -25°C (-13°F) in some areas, the attacks represent a desperate gamble by Russia, aiming to break the will of a nation already enduring immense hardship. The coming days will be critical, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
