Thousands Without Power in Kyiv After Massive Russian Attack
The chilling sounds of gunfire and explosions echoed through Kyiv overnight and into the morning, casting shadows over the city. Following a massive bombing that targeted both residential areas and critical infrastructure, a staggering one-third of residents in Ukraine’s capital are now without power. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that this assault has left many without heating during the bitter winter.
Key Details:
– Casualties: At least one person has died, and 30 others were injured, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko.
– Timing: The bombing took place just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s departure for Florida, where he is set to meet Donald Trump for peace talks.
– Russian Claims: Russia’s defense ministry described the attack as a massive retaliatory strike aimed at Ukrainian energy infrastructure. They claimed their long-range, land-, air-, and sea-based precision weapons were employed against facilities allegedly utilized by the Ukrainian military.
Zelensky asserted that Russia continues to escalate the conflict, emphasizing their desire to prolong the war. He noted on Telegram that nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles were launched toward Kyiv, specifically targeting energy and civilian structures. Visuals emerging from the aftermath illustrate significant destruction, with apartment buildings sustaining severe damage and homes engulfed in flames.
– Personal Accounts: BBC journalist Anastasiya Gribanova’s apartment block was struck, yet she was unharmed as she happened to be in the building’s elevator during the attack.
– Evacuations: Ukraine’s State Emergency Service confirmed that 68 residents were evacuated from a retirement home in the eastern Darnytskyi district.
Zelensky voiced alarm over the situation, describing the ongoing attacks as a form of communication from Putin, emphasizing the need for a strong response from allies. He urged the U.S., Europe, and other partners to unite against Russian aggression.
Regional Response to the Attacks
In reaction to the strikes, Poland, sharing a 530km-long (320-mile) border with Ukraine, heightened its military readiness by preparing fighter jets, ground-based air defense systems, and radar reconnaissance. Poland’s Armed Forces declared this measure was intended to secure and protect airspace in adjacent regions. As of Saturday morning, no violations of Polish airspace had been recorded. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry reported that seven Ukrainian drones were neutralized overnight.
Future Peace Talks and Diplomatic Developments
On Saturday, President Zelensky is expected to engage in a call with EU leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss pathways to peace. His latest 20-point draft plan, refined from a more extensive 28-point proposal initially viewed as too accommodating to Russia, is being seen as a foundational document for ending the conflict.
While Zelensky expressed optimism regarding the new draft, Trump cautioned that any agreement requires his approval. The prospective arrangement reportedly includes security guarantees from the U.S., NATO, and European allies for a collaborative military response should Russia initiate another invasion. The control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region remains a contentious issue in negotiations; however, Zelensky has floated the idea of establishing a free economic zone as a possible compromise.
Expectations are high for Zelensky’s discussion with Trump, who anticipates a positive outcome and positions himself for future talks with Putin.
The impact of the massive Russian attack on Kyiv is profound, leaving thousands without power and highlighting the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on diplomatic efforts to mitigate this brutal conflict.