On Sunday, Russia launched a massive barrage of missiles and drones against Ukraine’s energy grid.
Ukraine reported that the attack involved at least 120 missiles and 90 drones, including Iranian-made Shahed drones, representing the largest Russian long-range assault in months.
“The enemy targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure nationwide. Sadly, there’s damage from direct hits and falling debris. In Mykolaiv, a drone attack killed two and injured six, including two children,” Zelenskyy stated.
Zelenskyy also reported that Ukrainian forces intercepted 144 of the projectiles.
Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, and western Ukraine. Odesa, a key port city, reportedly lost power.
Poland’s air force responded by scrambling jets within its borders, although no Russian ordnance landed on Polish territory.
Russia’s targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has intensified as colder weather approaches, mirroring a tactic used in previous years.
This attack coincides with the incoming president’s planned appointment of a Ukrainian peace envoy to negotiate an end to the war with Russia.
This envoy position is expected to be voluntary – similar to Kurt Volker’s unpaid role as special representative from 2017 to 2019.
The incoming president has rapidly announced numerous appointees for his cabinet and advisory roles.
The incoming president has repeatedly claimed he could broker peace between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin, though details remain scarce.
Some advisors reportedly urge Kyiv to accept a ceasefire agreement that would solidify existing frontlines via an 800-mile demilitarized zone, leaving Russia in control of illegally seized territory (approximately 20% of Ukraine).
Another suggestion involves Kyiv forgoing pursuing war crimes charges against Russia for two decades, a condition critics see as a concession to Putin.
‘ Morgan Phillips and the Associated Press contributed to this report