Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that overnight drone and ballistic missile attacks had damaged the country's energy infrastructure, leading to widespread blackouts and disruptions to water supplies. The attacks, which consisted of over 30 ballistic missiles and 170 drones, hit 12 Ukrainian regions, with the capital Kyiv being the hardest hit. Nine people, including one child, were reported injured across the country.
The attacks have caused significant disruptions to daily life in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv, where residential buildings, the North Bridge, and a kindergarten were damaged. The city's infrastructure has been severely impacted, with electricity, water, and heating supplies disrupted. However, Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the city's water supply system is now operating normally, and around 60% of apartment buildings are connected to the heating system.
The energy minister, Denys Shmyhal, confirmed that power cuts had occurred in five regions, although the number of homes affected was not specified. Zelensky also reported that substations were damaged in several regions, including Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. The attacks come as Ukrainian and Russian delegations prepare for trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi next week.
The latest attacks have been condemned by Ukrainian officials, who believe that Russia is trying to gain an advantage ahead of the talks. Zelensky wrote on Telegram that Moscow was launching attacks on Ukraine's "critical infrastructure" to prepare for the negotiations. The situation in Ukraine is becoming increasingly challenging, with temperatures dropping and parts of the country experiencing winter snow.
The US has been involved in efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, with First Lady Melania Trump hosting Russian and Ukrainian delegations at the White House on Thursday. She called for a "more enduring" ceasefire in Ukraine, following a truce in the southern region of Kherson. A six-day ceasefire in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky allowed hundreds of residents to evacuate, with both Moscow and Kyiv crediting Trump with brokering the truce.
The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with a recent aid centre near Zaporizhihia being hit by glide bombs, resulting in 55 deaths. Zelensky has expressed hope that the US will continue to provide bilateral support to Ukraine, including increased sanctions pressure on Russia. He emphasized the importance of unity between the US parties in supporting Ukraine and condemning Russian aggression.
The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with ongoing attacks and humanitarian concerns. Zelensky's spokesperson declined to comment on reports that the Ukrainian president may be invited to the UK for a state visit next year. The international community continues to monitor the situation, with efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire and support those affected by the conflict ongoing.
Key points
- Nine people, including one child, were injured in the wave of attacks.
- The attacks caused significant disruptions to daily life in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv.
- US First Lady Melania Trump called for a "more enduring" ceasefire in Ukraine following a truce in the southern region of Kherson.
