Russia launches near‑300 drone and missile assault on Ukraine, strikes power grid; four killed in Kharkiv
Russia launched almost 300 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine, again targeting energy infrastructure; four were killed in Kharkiv as widespread outages hit amid severe winter cold.
Overview
Russian forces launched nearly 300 attack drones, 18 ballistic and seven cruise missiles at eight Ukrainian regions overnight, reportedly targeting power infrastructure and civilian sites across the country.
One strike hit a postal terminal in Korotych, Kharkiv, killing four and wounding several; additional wounds reported in Kharkiv and Odesa, and Voronezh debris reportedly killed one civilian.
Ukrenergo and local officials reported widespread damage to energy and heating infrastructure, prompting emergency power cuts and leaving several hundred thousand Kyiv-region households without heat amid subzero temperatures.
The United States called the bombardment a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation” at a UN Security Council meeting while Kyiv urges accelerated deliveries of air defenses and new aid pledges.
Ukraine said its forces struck Russian energy and drone-production sites including in Taganrog and Volgograd, while Moscow reported shooting down dozens of Ukrainian drones and denied some attack claims.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the attacks as an escalatory campaign targeting civilians and infrastructure, emphasizing humanitarian impact and Western alarm through word choices (e.g., 'snubbing,' 'weaponizing winter') and selective emphasis on U.S./Ukrainian condemnations. They include Russian claims but often flag them as unverified, shaping a skeptical narrative toward Moscow.
Sources (14)
FAQ
Widespread damage to energy and heating infrastructure occurred, leading to emergency power cuts and leaving several hundred thousand Kyiv-region households without heat amid subzero temperatures.[Story]
History
8 sources