In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine's energy infrastructure has suffered further damage from overnight drone and ballistic missile attacks, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strikes have resulted in widespread blackouts and disruptions to water supplies across the country.
Zelensky reported that 12 Ukrainian regions were targeted, with the capital Kyiv experiencing the most severe impact. At least nine people, including one child, have been injured in the attacks, which involved more than 30 ballistic missiles and over 170 drones.
Timing Raises Concerns Ahead of Talks
The assaults come just before Ukrainian and Russian delegations are scheduled to participate in trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi next week. Zelensky, writing on Telegram, accused Moscow of preparing for the negotiations by launching attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure.
As temperatures plummet and parts of the country see their first winter snow, the strikes have heightened fears of a humanitarian crisis. "The situation in the capital is difficult, with disruptions to electricity, water, and heating supplies. Residential buildings, the North Bridge, and a kindergarten have been damaged," Zelensky stated.
He also noted that substations connecting the Rivne and Khmelnytsky nuclear power plants to Kyiv and central Ukraine were hit in the Kyiv region. In addition to Kyiv, substations in Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Kharkiv, and Dnipro regions were damaged.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko provided an update, saying the city's water supply system is back to normal operation and that approximately 60% of apartment buildings have been reconnected to the heating system. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed power cuts in five regions but did not specify the number of homes affected.
Diplomatic Efforts and Humanitarian Concerns
The latest attacks follow a White House meeting on Thursday where US First Lady Melania Trump hosted Russian and Ukrainian delegations. She called for a "more enduring" ceasefire in Ukraine after a truce last week in the southern Kherson region.
During a six-day ceasefire, hundreds of residents from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, who were facing starvation and constant bombardment, were able to evacuate. Both Moscow and Kyiv credited Trump with brokering the truce. "The lives of innocent people must transcend the division of war. I hope Oleshky inspires greater peace," she said.
Earlier this week, glide bombs struck an aid centre near Zaporizhzhia, killing dozens. The death toll has risen to 55 as rescue teams continue to search the ruins.
In his Telegram post on Saturday, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's reliance on increased bilateral support from the United States. "We are counting on unity between both parties on issues of security, support for Ukraine, condemnation of Russian aggression, and increased sanctions pressure on Putin," he wrote. "The resolve and consistency of the United States in supporting Ukraine are of great importance in bringing peace closer."
Meanwhile, Zelensky's spokesperson declined to comment on reports that the Ukrainian president will be invited to the UK for a state visit next year.
