KYIV — In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia breached an energy ceasefire negotiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump after just four days, launching an extensive attack on Ukraine’s power infrastructure. Over 450 drones and 70 missiles were deployed against various regions, impacting power plants and the grid and resulting in nine reported injuries.
Details of the attack
The strikes were concentrated in several key areas, including Sumy and Kharkiv, as well as the capital city of Kyiv and regions like Dnipro, Odesa, and Vinnytsia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the devastating impact of these attacks during a morning briefing.
This aggression comes midway through a truce meant to last a week and just a day ahead of scheduled peace negotiations among Russian, Ukrainian, and American delegations in Abu Dhabi. The timing of the strikes raises questions about Russia’s commitment to diplomatic efforts.
Impact on civilians and infrastructure
The assault particularly affected heating and power facilities in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, leaving countless families without heat amidst severe winter temperatures plummeting to −25 degrees Celsius. Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed grave concerns over the humanitarian impact of these attacks.
“Putin waited for the temperatures to drop and stockpiled drones and missiles to continue his genocidal attacks against the Ukrainian people. Neither anticipated diplomatic efforts in Abu Dhabi this week nor his promises to the United States kept him from continuing terror against ordinary people in the harshest winter,”
stated Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, highlighting the calculated nature of the assault.
Last Thursday, Trump had indicated that Putin had pledged not to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for a week. While Zelenskyy noted that this was not an officially recognized ceasefire, he viewed it as a potential opportunity for de-escalation, stating that Kyiv would refrain from retaliating against Russian oil refineries.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of sustained international pressure on Russia to bring an end to the conflict. “This very clearly shows what is needed from our partners and what can help. Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war. Right now, Moscow is choosing terror and escalation, and that is why maximum pressure is required. I thank all our partners who understand this and are helping us,” he concluded.