Russia Launches Major Drone and Missile Assault on Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine – In a significant overnight offensive, Russia unleashed approximately 450 long-range drones and 70 missiles targeted at various regions in Ukraine, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday.

This assault took place just a day before NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was set to visit Kyiv to express support and participate in talks mediated by the U.S. in Abu Dhabi, aimed at resolving the ongoing war initiated by Russia nearly four years ago.

The President noted that the bombardment impacted at least five regions and was marked by a record 32 ballistic missiles, indicating a deliberate effort to strike at the power grid. This strategy appears to be part of Moscow’s long-term goal to deprive civilians of essential services—light, heating, and water—especially during one of the coldest winters in years.

Private energy firm DTEK labeled this strike as the most severe impact on the power grid this year, resulting in injuries to at least ten individuals according to officials.

Zelenskyy commented, “Using the coldest days to instill fear in the population seems to take precedence over seeking diplomatic resolutions.” With temperatures in Kyiv plummeting to minus 20 degrees Celsius overnight, and reaching minus 16 degrees Celsius later on, the urgency of the situation is palpable.

He urged international allies to bolster air defense capabilities and exert maximum pressure on Russia to cease its invasion, which began on February 24, 2022.

While recent dialogues between Moscow and Kyiv were described as constructive, the ongoing efforts to address fundamental issues like territory control remain unresolved. The talks in Abu Dhabi are planned for Wednesday and Thursday.

During his visit to Ukraine’s parliament, Rutte affirmed that NATO members are “prepared to offer immediate and consistent support” as peace efforts continue.

Since last summer, NATO countries have contributed 75% of the missiles sent to the frontline, with a notable 90% allocated for Ukraine’s air defense, he noted.

European nations express concerns regarding Russia’s intentions, asserting that their future security is intertwined with that of Ukraine.

“You can be assured that NATO is with you, ready to stand by Ukraine for the long haul,” Rutte stated, emphasizing the interconnectedness of safety and peace for both parties.

Kremlin officials had previously announced that, following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump to President Vladimir Putin, Russia would pause its assault on Kyiv for a week due to freezing temperatures. Yet, the bitter conditions have persisted alongside ongoing airstrikes.

The objective appears to be to demoralize Ukrainians by inflicting hardships on civilians residing in dark, unheated homes.

The strategy involves targeting vital infrastructure such as substations and generators to disrupt the power supply, and the recent overnight assault hit Ukraine’s thermal power plants—marking the ninth major attack since October.

Reports indicated that five individuals were injured during a strike in Kyiv that damaged residential areas, kindergartens, and gas stations across the capital.

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, by morning, over 1,170 apartment buildings lacked heating, complicating efforts to restore power to nearly all but 80 of the affected units.

Attacks also struck northeastern Kharkiv and southern Odessa, with reported casualties in those regions.

Ukraine’s Culture Minister, Tetiana Berezina, noted that the assault also impacted the Hall of Honor at the World War II National Museum of History of Ukraine, located near the Motherland Monument in Kyiv. She remarked, “It’s both symbolic and ironic: an aggressor state attacks a site dedicated to remembering the fight against aggression in the 20th century, only to repeat such acts in the 21st.”