‘Record number of missiles’ hit Ukraine leaving thousands with no heating in -20C
Russia Targets Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure with Record Missile Strike
President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russia has employed a record number of ballistic missiles to strike Ukraine’s energy sector. According to private energy company DTEK, the combined missile and drone attacks delivered “the most powerful blow” so far this year, impacting power plants and infrastructure across Kyiv and multiple locations.
The assaults occurred as temperatures plummeted to -20C (-4F), leaving over 1,000 tower blocks in the capital without heating once again and causing irreversible damage to a power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv.
Zelensky Condemns Russia’s Use of Terror
Zelensky accused Russia of opting for “terror and escalation” over diplomacy to end the war, urging Ukraine’s allies to apply “maximum pressure” on Moscow. The attack followed the expiration of a so-called “energy truce” brokered by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin over the weekend. Zelensky suggested Russia used the respite to replenish its missile stockpiles and prepare for further strikes.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in Kyiv to meet with Zelensky and address the national parliament. Trump’s initiative aimed to provide diplomacy a chance, but negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are set to resume in Abu Dhabi later this week, coordinated by the US. Rutte acknowledged that Russia’s overnight attack did not “signal seriousness about peace.”
Overnight Assault Leaves Residents in Peril
The first explosions in Kyiv were heard shortly after midnight, with the air raid lasting more than seven hours. Subsequent blasts continued throughout the night, prompting residents to seek shelter in metro stations. Some even set up tents on the platforms to combat the freezing cold.
Zelensky reported that over 70 ballistic and cruise missiles, alongside 450 drones, were launched. Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted only 38 of the missiles, indicating many reached their targets. Officials have repeatedly highlighted a shortage of missiles to defend against such attacks, with US-made Patriot missiles being a critical asset.
Missile Shortages and Diplomatic Priorities
“Timely delivery of missiles for air defense systems and the protection of normal life are our priority,” Zelensky wrote on X this morning. “Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war.” In response, Rutte called on NATO members to “dig deep in their stockpiles” and supply the necessary missiles for Ukraine’s defense.
Rutte also affirmed NATO’s support for Ukraine as it navigates tough decisions during peace talks, stating the alliance would provide “hard power” to back any eventual agreement. Despite this, both leaders concurred that the recent attack did not demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace.
