Russia Launches Major Attack on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
KYIV, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Tuesday that Russia unleashed over 300 drones as well as ballistic and cruise missiles in a nighttime strike targeting Ukraine’s power grid. This escalation offers no signs that Russia plans to halt its invasion of Ukraine anytime soon.
Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that the attack resulted in the loss of heating for more than 5,600 apartment buildings across the capital. He noted that almost 80% of those affected had recently had their heating restored after an earlier assault from Russia on January 9 left many residents without power for several days.
This winter is notably harsh for Ukraine, with temperatures in Kyiv plummeting to -20°C (-4°F). Marking nearly four years since Russia began its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the frequency of airstrikes against electricity supplies has sharply increased, aiming to deprive Ukrainians of heat and water while undermining their resolve.
In the meantime, Ukrainian officials are working to keep the momentum in peace talks facilitated by U.S. leadership. A Ukrainian delegation arrived in the United States on Saturday. Zelenskiy emphasized that their main goal was to highlight how Russia’s relentless aggression poses a serious challenge to diplomacy.
He mentioned that his team is seeking to finalize documents concerning a proposed peace agreement centered on security and economic recovery for the post-war period. If U.S. authorities endorse the plan, there’s a possibility of signing it during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov revealed on Tuesday that presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev would engage with certain U.S. representatives in Davos, though he did not disclose specific names. However, reports suggest that meetings may include Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy, and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sibikha, stressed the urgent need for additional aid and more sanctions against Russia to compel a change in its course. He described the recent attack as a “wake-up call” for global leaders present in Davos.
Volker Türk, United Nations human rights chief, expressed outrage over the repeated large-scale assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, noting their particularly harsh impact on vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. He characterized the attack as “cruel” and emphasized the need for it to cease, highlighting that targeting civilians violates the rules of war.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, indicated that several substations crucial for Ukraine’s nuclear safety had also been affected.
The Ukrainian Air Force Command reported intercepting 27 missiles and 315 drones, while five missiles and 24 drones did reach various locations, causing further damage.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the military’s focus has been on addressing military and industrial targets in Ukraine, along with energy and transportation infrastructure linked to the Ukrainian military.
Consistent assaults have strained Ukraine’s air defenses, and Zelenskiy mentioned that some systems recently ran low on ammunition before new supplies arrived. The financial toll of defending against Russian missiles overnight was staggering—Zelenskiy estimated around 80 million euros (approximately $93 million) in expenses.
In response, Zelenskiy shared that Ukraine’s air defense forces are evolving their approach, notably with the appointment of Pavlo Yelizarov as the new deputy commander of the air force. He indicated that changes were coming, although specifics weren’t provided.
Turning to advanced air defense systems developed primarily by Western nations, particularly the United States, has been crucial for Ukraine in countering Russian missile and drone threats.
