Multiple Ukrainian cities were plunged into darkness and cold on Tuesday following a major Russian assault on the country's energy network. The large-scale attack, involving drones and missiles, struck as winter temperatures dipped towards freezing across much of Ukraine.
Infrastructure Under Fire in Bitter Cold
Ukrainian authorities confirmed that several regions experienced emergency power outages after the strikes. Russia once again is attacking our energy infrastructure, the nation's energy ministry stated in a Telegram post. The state power operator, Ukrenergo, reported that fires had broken out in multiple areas due to the massive missile and drone attack.
The human cost of the bombardment was immediate. Local officials confirmed that one person was killed in the western region of Khmelnytsky and another lost their life in the capital, Kyiv. Several other individuals, including children, were wounded in various regions.
Escalation in the South and Regional Fallout
The assault marks a continued intensification of Russian strikes, particularly on the strategic Black Sea port of Odesa. Ukrainian officials believe these attacks aim to cripple the country's maritime logistics capabilities entirely. While fresh strikes on Odesa caused fires, emergency services reported no injuries there on Tuesday.
The offensive had repercussions beyond Ukraine's borders. Neighbouring Poland scrambled military jets to safeguard its own airspace during the barrage, the Polish armed forces announced on social media platform X.
Strikes Follow US-Led Diplomatic Talks
This latest wave of violence comes on the heels of weekend negotiations orchestrated by the United States. Separate US talks were held in Miami with Russian and Ukrainian delegations, part of ongoing efforts to end the war that began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told state media that slow progress is being observed following the discussions. The US envoy, Steve Witkoff, described talks with both sides as constructive, though no significant breakthrough appears imminent. The talks also involved Jared Kushner, adviser and son-in-law to former US President Donald Trump.
The sustained targeting of energy facilities, bridges, and ports in Black Sea regions has left thousands without electricity or heating in the depths of winter, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the intensified campaign.
