Russia carried out a second significant drone and missile attack on Ukraine within four days, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The assault targeted the power grid during freezing temperatures, disregarding U.S.-led peace initiatives as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nears its fourth year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia launched nearly 300 drones, 18 ballistic missiles, and seven cruise missiles across eight regions overnight. One strike in the northeastern Kharkiv region resulted in the death of four individuals at a mail facility, leaving several hundred thousand households without electricity in the Kyiv region. The attack in Kharkiv also injured 10 people, as per local authorities.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the strikes on Monday night led to the most extensive power outage the city had experienced so far. Due to temperatures as low as -12°C during the day, over 500 residential buildings remained without central heating. In response, residents gathered in homes with power or hot water to charge devices, take warm showers, and share hot beverages.
To support those in need, Klitschko directed the city to provide one hot meal daily to residents facing hardship. He also announced bonuses for workers in essential services, such as water, heating, and road maintenance, who were tirelessly working to restore critical infrastructure.
Russian forces have been deliberately targeting Ukrainian civilians’ access to heat and running water during winter as part of their strategy to weaken public resistance to the ongoing invasion, which began on February 24, 2022. This tactic, known as “weaponizing winter,” aims to destabilize Ukraine further.
Additionally, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that Russian air defenses downed 11 Ukrainian drones overnight. The intensified attack occurred shortly after Ukraine and its allies reported progress in peace negotiations, whereas Moscow remained firm on its demands regarding territorial control and Ukraine’s exclusion from European alliances.
The U.S. condemned Russia’s actions as a dangerous escalation and criticized its attacks on vital infrastructure. Amid the ongoing conflict, civilian casualties have surged, with the UN reporting that 2025 marked the deadliest year for civilians in Ukraine since 2022. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine documented 2,514 civilian deaths and over 12,000 injuries, a significant increase from the previous year.
Despite international efforts to reach a ceasefire and broker peace, Russia’s stance remains unchanged, with the country emphasizing military solutions until Ukraine’s leadership meets its negotiation terms. The Security Council convening saw impassioned statements from both U.S. and Russian representatives, highlighting the pressing need for diplomatic resolutions amid escalating hostilities.