Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine, deploying over 650 drones and three dozen missiles in an attack that began overnight and extended into the daylight hours on Tuesday. The strike resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, including a four-year-old child.
The latest offensive by Moscow primarily targeted energy facilities in western Ukrainian regions, according to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. This attack occurred shortly after a round of peace negotiations led by the U.S. to end the ongoing conflict that has lasted almost four years.
The assault on Tuesday claimed two lives, including that of a four-year-old in the Zhytomyr region, and one person near Kyiv, with at least five others sustaining injuries, as reported by local officials.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, emphasizing that Russia’s actions, involving more than 30 missiles and 650 drones across 13 regions, highlighted their ruthless priorities. He expressed dismay at the timing of the strike, just before Christmas, a time when people seek peace and security with their families.
The Russian Defence Ministry announced that the assault targeted Ukrainian energy and military installations, resulting in the capture of two villages along the front line in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s grid operator reported widespread power outages across most regions due to the attack.
In response to the escalating conflict, Poland, a NATO member sharing a border with western Ukraine, mobilized Polish and allied aircraft to safeguard its airspace following Russian strikes near the border regions. Moscow intensified its attacks on Ukrainian vital infrastructure to increase pressure on Kyiv amidst negotiations for a potential settlement supported by the U.S.
Recent peace discussions held in Miami involving U.S. officials, Ukrainian and European representatives, as well as separate dialogues with Russian envoys, aimed to explore avenues for a resolution. However, Russia’s insistence on territorial concessions from Ukraine and military limitations has complicated the peace process.
President Zelenskyy criticized Russian President Putin for persisting with military actions instead of seeking a peaceful resolution, urging the global community to exert more pressure on Russia to cease hostilities.
