Russia conducted a second significant drone and missile attack on Ukraine within four days, focusing on the power grid amid freezing temperatures in what seems to be a disregard for U.S.-led peace efforts as the invasion of Ukraine by Moscow nears its fourth year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia launched nearly 300 drones, 18 ballistic missiles, and seven cruise missiles across eight regions overnight.
One of the strikes in the northeastern Kharkiv region resulted in the death of four individuals at a mail depot, with several hundred thousand households in the Kyiv region left without power. The attack in Kharkiv also left 10 people injured, according to local authorities. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko noted that the strikes on Monday night caused the most extensive power outage the city has experienced, leaving over 500 residential buildings without central heating as temperatures dropped to -12°C.
To address the situation, residents gathered in homes with power or hot water to charge their devices, take hot showers, or share warm drinks. Klitschko issued orders for the city to provide one hot meal daily to those in need and announced bonuses for workers in essential services who are tirelessly working to restore critical infrastructure.
Russia’s attempts to deprive Ukrainian civilians of heat and running water during winter are part of a strategy to weaken public resistance to Moscow’s ongoing invasion, which began on February 24, 2022. This tactic, described as “weaponizing winter” by Ukrainian officials, aims to maximize pressure on the population.
In response to the attacks, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that Russian air defenses had downed 11 Ukrainian drones overnight. The assault comes following reports of progress in peace negotiations between Ukraine and its allies, although Russia has shown no willingness to compromise on its demands regarding territory and Ukraine’s European alliances.
The U.S. condemned Russia’s escalation in fighting and criticized the country for hindering peace efforts. Amid escalating tensions, Tammy Bruce, the U.S. deputy ambassador to the United Nations, expressed concern over the increasing civilian casualties and denounced Russia’s attacks on vital infrastructure.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting where Bruce highlighted Russia’s contradictory actions, referencing a past Security Council resolution that called for an end to the conflict. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia stated that military actions would continue until Ukrainian President Zelenskyy agrees to realistic negotiation terms.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported a significant rise in civilian casualties in 2025, making it the deadliest year since 2022. The intensified aerial attacks by Russia resulted in the deaths of 2,514 civilians and over 12,000 injuries, marking a 31% increase from the previous year.
As Ukraine’s allies plan for a post-war scenario, discussions are underway regarding U.S. security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire. Reports indicate that key leaders are set to address this matter with Trump and Zelenskyy during the upcoming World Economic Forum in Switzerland.