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 and have left more than 1,000 tower blocks in the capital without heating once again and damaged 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 comes after a so-called 'energy truce' agreed by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin expired at the weekend. It also came on the day NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in Kyiv to meet President Zelensky and to address the national parliament. Donald Trump's initiative was meant to give diplomacy a chance. Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine are due to meet in Abu Dhabi for another round of talks coordinated by the US later this week.
It is clear that Russia has other ideas. There is always a gap between Russia's massive strikes which makes Ukrainians doubt there was ever any real pause at all. The first explosions in Kyiv were heard soon after midnight and the air raid lasted more than seven hours, with several subsequent blasts. Residents spent the night sheltering in metro stations, some pitching tents on the platforms for warmth.
President Zelensky noted that over 70 ballistic and cruise missiles were fired alongside 450 drones, significantly more than usual, with Ukraine's Air Force managing to intercept only 38 missiles, meaning many reached their targets. Ukraine relies on US-made Patriot missiles for defense, and officials have frequently complained about shortages.
Zelensky emphasized the need for timely delivery of missiles for air defense systems, stating, 'Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war.' As the attacks continue, the private power company DTEK confirmed that two of its power plants were once again hit, marking the ninth massive attack on the sector since October, further complicating repair efforts and increasing fragility in the energy system, leading to more frequent blackouts.
Residents described severe conditions, with many reporting weeks without heating, relying on soup kitchens for meals as long power cuts further complicate their situations. The attacks appear aimed at straining the public's morale and turning them against the authorities in Kyiv, but widespread anger against Russia remains palpable. 'We are stronger than them in any case,' one resident declared while queuing for assistance.
The attack comes after a so-called 'energy truce' agreed by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin expired at the weekend. It also came on the day NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in Kyiv to meet President Zelensky and to address the national parliament. Donald Trump's initiative was meant to give diplomacy a chance. Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine are due to meet in Abu Dhabi for another round of talks coordinated by the US later this week.
It is clear that Russia has other ideas. There is always a gap between Russia's massive strikes which makes Ukrainians doubt there was ever any real pause at all. The first explosions in Kyiv were heard soon after midnight and the air raid lasted more than seven hours, with several subsequent blasts. Residents spent the night sheltering in metro stations, some pitching tents on the platforms for warmth.
President Zelensky noted that over 70 ballistic and cruise missiles were fired alongside 450 drones, significantly more than usual, with Ukraine's Air Force managing to intercept only 38 missiles, meaning many reached their targets. Ukraine relies on US-made Patriot missiles for defense, and officials have frequently complained about shortages.
Zelensky emphasized the need for timely delivery of missiles for air defense systems, stating, 'Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war.' As the attacks continue, the private power company DTEK confirmed that two of its power plants were once again hit, marking the ninth massive attack on the sector since October, further complicating repair efforts and increasing fragility in the energy system, leading to more frequent blackouts.
Residents described severe conditions, with many reporting weeks without heating, relying on soup kitchens for meals as long power cuts further complicate their situations. The attacks appear aimed at straining the public's morale and turning them against the authorities in Kyiv, but widespread anger against Russia remains palpable. 'We are stronger than them in any case,' one resident declared while queuing for assistance.
