A record number of ballistic missiles have been launched by Russia targeting Ukraine's energy sector, contributing to significant outages as winter temperatures drop to -20C (-4F). President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that these attacks left more than 1,000 residential buildings in Kyiv without heating and caused irreparable damage to a power plant in Kharkiv.
The coordinated strikes were executed at a time when temperatures were critically low, marking 'the most powerful blow' this winter, according to local energy company DTEK. Ukrainians, already struggling amid the ongoing conflict, are now challenged to find warmth while enduring freezing conditions.
Zelensky condemned Russia's actions as terrorism, claiming that the nation opts for escalation instead of pursuing diplomatic solutions. He urged allies to exert maximum pressure on Moscow amidst an already fragile humanitarian situation in Ukraine.
Following the expiration of a supposed 'energy truce' between past U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky expressed concerns that Russia had used this period to stockpile weapons and prepare for renewed attacks. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in Kyiv during the assaults to discuss support for Ukraine, calling on NATO members to provide essential missiles for air defense.
The latest strikes come after the Ukrainian military reported that only 38 of more than 70 missiles were intercepted, leading to widespread devastation across the country's energy infrastructure, further complicating humanitarian efforts during the harsh winter.
Residents are facing severe consequences from the missile strikes, with some enduring weeks without heating. The government has emphasized the need for urgent deliveries of air defense missiles, as the war drags on with no end in sight.
The coordinated strikes were executed at a time when temperatures were critically low, marking 'the most powerful blow' this winter, according to local energy company DTEK. Ukrainians, already struggling amid the ongoing conflict, are now challenged to find warmth while enduring freezing conditions.
Zelensky condemned Russia's actions as terrorism, claiming that the nation opts for escalation instead of pursuing diplomatic solutions. He urged allies to exert maximum pressure on Moscow amidst an already fragile humanitarian situation in Ukraine.
Following the expiration of a supposed 'energy truce' between past U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky expressed concerns that Russia had used this period to stockpile weapons and prepare for renewed attacks. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in Kyiv during the assaults to discuss support for Ukraine, calling on NATO members to provide essential missiles for air defense.
The latest strikes come after the Ukrainian military reported that only 38 of more than 70 missiles were intercepted, leading to widespread devastation across the country's energy infrastructure, further complicating humanitarian efforts during the harsh winter.
Residents are facing severe consequences from the missile strikes, with some enduring weeks without heating. The government has emphasized the need for urgent deliveries of air defense missiles, as the war drags on with no end in sight.
