In Kyiv, a significant missile and drone attack occurred recently, marking one of the largest this year. The assault has left tens of thousands without heat amid freezing winter temperatures.
Residents of Kyiv reported hearing powerful explosions. Other cities like Dnipro, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odesa also faced strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack involved 70 missiles and 450 drones, specifically targeting energy facilities across six regions.
Zelensky criticized this attack, stating, “Utilizing the coldest days of winter to instill fear is more essential to Russia than pursuing diplomacy.” The situation is dire in Kyiv, where over 1,200 high-rise buildings were left without heating. In the chaos, several buildings and even a kindergarten suffered damage, resulting in injuries to three people.
As the temperature in Kyiv dropped to -20°C (-4°F), residents sought shelter in the metro, wrapped in warm clothing and blankets. They spent around seven hours under an air raid alert. In nearby Odesa, over 50,000 locals lost power, while Kharkiv experienced significant damage affecting 820 buildings. Mayor Ihor Terekhov spoke of the clear intention behind these strikes: to maximize destruction and leave citizens cold during severe frost.
This attack marked the resumption of strikes on major urban areas since a previous pause, which followed talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. in Abu Dhabi. Before this, leading energy company DTEK reported that repeated attacks had heavily crippled vital infrastructure, crucial during winter.
DTEK’s CEO mentioned that the company is in “survival mode,” dealing with the worst conditions for the energy system in modern history. Currently, only three out of five thermal power plants are operational, and any repairs are complicated by freezing temperatures.
Interestingly, similar strategies have been seen in previous conflicts, where winter weather has influenced military tactics. For example, during World War II, both the German and Soviet forces faced extreme cold that impacted their operations. This historical context underlines the importance of understanding how weather can affect warfare strategies.
As this situation unfolds, social media has been abuzz with reactions from locals and international observers, showcasing both solidarity with Ukraine and outrage at the bombardments.
Experts suggest that prolonged tactical assaults during harsh weather lead to greater humanitarian crises, making diplomatic resolutions even more critical. The upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi will be vital not just for immediate ceasefires but for fostering long-term peace.
For ongoing updates, you can check reliable sources like the BBC for comprehensive coverage.
