Russia has launched a second major wave of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine in just four days, in what appears to be a deliberate strategy to weaponise the harsh winter conditions against the civilian population.
Major Assault on Critical Infrastructure
The brutal overnight bombardment involved a massive arsenal of 300 drones, 18 missiles, and seven cruise missiles, striking eight separate regions. The assault, ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, represents a significant blow to peace efforts as the full-scale invasion nears its four-year mark in February.
Ukrainian authorities reported that the majority of the weapons were aimed at critical civilian infrastructure, specifically heating systems, energy hubs, and electricity substations. This came as bitter temperatures plunged to as low as minus 16 degrees Celsius in parts of the capital, Kyiv.
Civilian Casualties and Widespread Blackouts
The attack resulted in significant loss of life and disruption. At least four people were killed at a mail depot in the Kharkiv region, where local authorities confirmed a further ten individuals were wounded. In the southern city of Odesa, six more people sustained injuries.
The strikes caused the most severe electrical outage Kyiv has faced so far, leaving several hundred thousand households without power. The city has been grappling with severe power shortages for days, exacerbating the crisis for residents.
Olena Davydova, a 30-year-old Kyiv resident, was forced to charge her phone at a government-built "Point of Invincibility" shelter—a temporary installation providing warmth and electricity. She had been without power for nearly 50 hours, stating, "I still have enough patience. I'm not reacting to this in a very emotional way."
International Condemnation and Calls for Defence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a stark warning following the attacks. "Where Russia tries to destroy, Ukrainians support each other," he stated. "Each strike against life reminds the world that support for Ukraine cannot stop. The cold will not help Russia win. Air defence systems are needed every day, especially in winter."
Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine is counting on quicker deliveries of agreed-upon air defence systems from the United States and Europe to counter Russia's latest onslaught. The attack occurred after Russia rejected the latest US peace proposals.
On Monday, the United States accused Russia of a "dangerous and inexplicable escalation" of the conflict. This condemnation comes at a time when the Trump administration is reportedly attempting to advance peace negotiations.
This latest barrage follows a similar large-scale attack just four days earlier, which involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including a powerful new hypersonic missile that struck western Ukraine. According to the United Nations, last year was the deadliest for Ukrainian civilians since 2022, with 2,514 killed and 12,142 injured—a 31% increase from 2024.
Meanwhile, Russia's Defence Ministry claimed its air defences shot down 11 Ukrainian drones overnight, with seven reportedly destroyed over the Rostov region.
