Russia's Renewed Assault on Ukraine: A Stark Reminder of Ongoing Conflict
Intensified Attacks on Ukraine's Infrastructure
Kyiv: In a significant escalation, Russia has executed a second wave of drone and missile strikes against Ukraine within just four days, targeting critical power infrastructure and seemingly disregarding US-led diplomatic efforts as the conflict nears its four-year anniversary.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on social media that nearly 300 drones, along with 18 ballistic and seven cruise missiles, were launched across eight regions overnight.
Tragically, a strike in the Kharkiv region resulted in the deaths of four individuals at a mail depot, while hundreds of thousands of households in Kyiv were left without electricity amid frigid temperatures of -12 C (approximately 10 F). The icy streets of the capital echoed with the sounds of generators.
Just four days prior, Russia had unleashed hundreds of drones and numerous missiles in a large-scale attack, utilizing a powerful new hypersonic missile for only the second time in the conflict, signaling a stern warning to Kyiv's NATO allies.
On Monday, the United States condemned Russia's actions as a "dangerous and inexplicable escalation" of hostilities, coinciding with ongoing peace negotiations led by the Trump administration.
Tammy Bruce, the US deputy ambassador to the United Nations, expressed grave concern during an emergency UN Security Council meeting, highlighting the "staggering number of casualties" and denouncing Russia's intensified assaults on energy and infrastructure.
Throughout the war, Russia has aimed to deprive Ukrainian civilians of heat and water during the harsh winter months, attempting to erode public resistance to its full-scale invasion that commenced on February 24, 2022. Ukrainian officials have labeled this tactic as "weaponizing winter."
In the Kharkiv region, local authorities reported that the Russian strikes also resulted in injuries to 10 individuals.
In Odesa, six people were injured, according to Oleh Kiper, the head of the regional military administration. The attacks caused damage to energy facilities, a hospital, a kindergarten, an educational institution, and several residential buildings.
Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's reliance on expedited deliveries of air defense systems from the US and Europe, alongside new aid commitments, to counter Russia's latest offensive.
Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defence announced that its air defenses intercepted 11 Ukrainian drones overnight, with seven reportedly shot down over the Rostov region, where Governor Yuri Slyusar confirmed an attack on the coastal city of Taganrog.
Ukrainian officials have previously indicated that they targeted Atlant Aero, a Taganrog-based company that manufactures components for combat drones.