The strikes targeted both residential areas and critical energy infrastructure, leaving thousands without heating and electricity as the country faces freezing winter temperatures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on social media, calling it further evidence that Russia “does not feel enough pressure” to end its nearly four-year war in Ukraine. “As of now, 17 people are known to have been injured. Unfortunately, six people were killed, among them two children,” Zelensky said.

Journalists in Kyiv reported hearing multiple explosions during the night, with a large plume of smoke rising above the capital. The energy ministry confirmed that emergency power outages had been implemented across most regions in response to the strikes, which hit vital energy infrastructure.

In a separate statement, Russia claimed to have intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones during the night’s assault but reported no significant damage.

The attack follows a diplomatic setback, as a planned presidential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was abruptly canceled on Tuesday. Trump had previously proposed peace talks in Budapest aimed at ending the war. However, he abandoned the plans, citing concerns over a “wasted” meeting, and continuing pressure on Ukraine to cede territory in the eastern Donbas region.

Ukraine has firmly rejected any suggestion of giving up land to Russia, with European allies supporting Kyiv’s stance. Zelensky, reacting to the canceled talks, said, “Russian words about diplomacy mean nothing as long as the Russian leadership does not feel critical problems.”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, was framed as a “special military operation” by President Vladimir Putin, aimed at demilitarizing Ukraine and preventing NATO expansion. However, Kyiv and its allies argue that the war is an illegal land grab that has caused tens of thousands of civilian and military casualties and widespread destruction.

Source: Punch