Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Ukraine Amid Ongoing Peace Negotiations

In one of the most significant assaults since the start of the conflict, Russia carried out a relentless drone and missile strike against Ukraine, launching nearly 600 drones and numerous missiles from Friday into Saturday. The chilling onslaught has left at least three individuals dead, dozens injured, and left half a million residents in Kyiv without power as they woke Saturday morning. Ukrainian officials reported that this coordinated attack comprised 596 drones and 36 different types of missiles, marking a grave escalation in the ongoing war. The most affected areas were the capital of Kyiv and its outskirts, with targeted strikes killing two people in the city and another individual in the surrounding region, while at least eight others were reported injured. Among the arsenal deployed were five Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, 23 Kh-101 Iskander cruise missiles, four Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and several guided air-launched missiles, all indicating a significant level of military sophistication. Despite the ferocity of the assault, Ukraine's defense forces managed to intercept a large portion of the aerial threats, successfully shooting down 558 drones and 19 missiles. However, military officials confirmed that at least 22 locations were struck, including significant damage from debris. The attacks aimed primarily at Kyiv have instigated a crisis, leaving approximately 500,000 people and 100,000 residents in the wider Kyiv region in the dark without electricity, as temperatures plummet to between 4 and 8 degrees. While private energy supplier DTEK has indicated that power has been restored to around 360,000 of its customers, the situation remains critical. Western allies and Ukrainian authorities believe that these strikes are part of a deliberate strategy by Russia to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure, attempting to create discomfort and fear among civilians as the country faces a harsh winter for the fourth consecutive year. This tactic is identified as part of a broader psychological warfare against the Ukrainian populace. In response to Russia's aggressive actions, Ukrainian forces have struck back, targeting a major oil terminal owned by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). The targeted strike reportedly damaged one of its three mooring points, leading to halted operations at the facility. Ukrainian special forces employed naval drones in this operation, as confirmed by Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's counter-disinformation efforts. This assault represents a continuation of Ukraine's long-range drone offensive aimed at crippling Russian oil exports, thereby undermining Moscow’s ability to finance its military endeavors. As the conflict heightens, the Ukrainian leadership is also actively seeking peace negotiations. This weekend, Ukrainian negotiators, led by Rustem Umierov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, are meeting with their U.S. counterparts to discuss a potential peace plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains optimistic about the reports expected following these discussions. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor in the Ukrainian Presidential Office, stated that Ukraine is prepared to engage in serious peace process discussions, but stressed the need for Russia to demonstrate a genuine desire to end the hostilities. He remarked on the readiness to sign a revised 19-point peace proposal originally suggested by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Following the talks in the U.S., a delegation from the U.S. is also scheduled to visit Moscow next week to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the international dimension of this ongoing conflict and the search for resolution amidst escalating violence. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2