Ukraine faced a major winter assault as Russia launched a large, coordinated attack on the country’s energy infrastructure, firing more than 70 missiles and deploying around 450 attack drones. Several regions were affected, with homes damaged and civilians injured. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, saying Russia chose terror over diplomacy, while emergency crews worked through the night to restore power and assist affected residents.
Massive Overnight Attack Hits Energy Facilities Across Ukraine
According to President Zelenskyy, the overnight attack was carefully targeted, focusing mainly on Ukraine’s energy facilities. The assault combined ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and large numbers of attack drones, making it one of the largest combined strikes in recent weeks. Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted many incoming threats, but officials confirmed that some missiles and drones reached their targets.
The regions hit by the attack included Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv and the capital itself, as well as Dnipro, Odesa, and Vinnytsia. The wide spread of the strikes showed the scale and reach of the operation across much of the country. Zelenskyy emphasized that the attacks were not random, stating that power stations, distribution networks, and other key energy facilities were deliberately targeted.
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Damage to energy infrastructure made it harder to provide electricity and heating during winter, when temperatures are low and demand is high. For many families, electricity is essential not only for lighting but also for heating, water supply, and communication. Zelenskyy said teams were still addressing the aftermath of the attack. Repair crews, firefighters, medical teams, and local authorities remained deployed across affected areas. They worked wherever possible to restore basic services and protect public safety.
Civilian Injuries and Damage to Homes and Public Buildings
Ukrainian authorities confirmed that missile and drone strikes injured at least nine people. Although officials reported no immediate fatalities, they said the situation remained serious due to widespread destruction and the ongoing risk from unexploded debris.
In Kyiv, drone strikes damaged several high-rise residential buildings and sparked fires. Firefighters worked overnight to extinguish flames and evacuate residents. Images released by local officials showed burned apartments, shattered windows, and debris scattered across residential areas.
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One of the most concerning incidents involved damage to a kindergarten in the capital. Although no children were present at the time, the incident raised serious concerns about civilian safety. Damage to schools and childcare facilities highlighted how closely the conflict continues to affect everyday life for ordinary people.
Other regions also reported damage to residential buildings, leaving some families without shelter or basic utilities. Emergency services provided medical care to the injured and assisted residents affected by the strikes. Zelenskyy said all necessary services were actively working under difficult conditions. Local authorities urged residents to follow safety rules, remain in shelters during air raid alerts, and report any damage or unexploded objects. Repair crews reported power outages in several areas as they assessed damage and worked to fix energy systems.
Zelenskyy Condemns Winter Attacks and Calls Them Terror
Reacting to the assault, President Zelenskyy delivered a strong message, saying Russia’s actions showed clear priorities. He said using the coldest days of winter to terrorize civilians mattered more to Moscow than diplomacy. According to him, the timing of the strikes was deliberate and aimed at causing maximum hardship for people already facing freezing temperatures and power shortages.
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Zelenskyy stressed that the attacks demonstrated the urgent need for continued international support, particularly for air defense systems. He said timely deliveries of air defense missiles are critical to protecting normal life in Ukraine, including homes, schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian leader also said that without strong pressure on Russia, the war would not end, accusing Moscow of choosing terror and escalation over peaceful solutions.
His remarks focused on the immediate reality on the ground rather than future developments. They reflected the heavy strain placed on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian population during winter, as emergency crews continued repairs and residents coped with the aftermath of the strikes.