Russia Launches Major Airstrikes on Ukraine amid Diplomatic Talks

In one of the most significant aerial assaults since the onset of the current conflict, Russia launched an extensive barrage against Ukraine overnight, deploying approximately 450 drones and 70 missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Tuesday that these strikes targeted various regions of Ukraine, including critical infrastructure, as representatives from both nations prepared for U.S.-brokered discussions in Abu Dhabi. The brutal attack concentrated on Ukraine's power grid, further exacerbating humanitarian conditions during what has been described as the coldest winter in years. Zelenskyy reported that the strike resulted in at least 10 injuries, highlighting the severity of the assault. Zelenskyy condemned the timing of the attack, stating that “taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important to Russia than diplomacy.” He emphasized the urgent need for increased air defense supplies from Western allies and called for intensified efforts to compel Russia to cease its nearly four-year-long invasion of Ukraine. This latest assault marked the ninth major incident targeting thermal power plants operated by DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy provider, since October. In the capital, Kyiv, the strikes caused significant destruction, including damage to residential buildings, a kindergarten, and a petrol station, with five people reported injured. By early morning, over 1,170 apartment buildings in Kyiv were left without heating, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, hampering repairs that had previously restored power to nearly all but 80 buildings. The cultural heritage of Ukraine was not spared, as the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II sustained damage. Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna stated that the attack was both symbolic and cynical, given its targeting of a place commemorating the fight against aggression in the 20th century. Moreover, strikes were also reported in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region and the southern Odesa region, where injuries were confirmed. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, representatives from Moscow and Kyiv have only recently described their talks as 'constructive.' However, after a year of negotiations, the Trump administration remains in search of a breakthrough on several pivotal issues, including Russia's extensive demands regarding control over regions it occupies in Ukraine. The Abu Dhabi talks are set to unfold over the upcoming Wednesday and Thursday, yet expectations for a meaningful agreement appear slim, despite the United States' continued attempts to mediate. The relentless targeting of Ukraine's electrical infrastructure persists, with goals of eroding civilian morale and pressuring Kyiv into negotiations. As the situation continues to develop, the humanitarian impact looms large, with civilians bearing the brunt of the escalating conflict. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2