KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a large-scale assault that commenced during the night and continued into daylight on Tuesday, Russia unleashed more than 650 drones and approximately 36 missiles against Ukraine. This devastating attack resulted in at least three fatalities, including a tragic loss of a 4-year-old child.
The barrage struck residences and the power grid across 13 regions of Ukraine, leading to widespread power outages amid frigid temperatures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed this grim news, remarking that the assault occurred just a day after he had expressed optimism regarding the recent advances in peace negotiations, which he described as "quite solid." This stark contrast highlights the precarious nature of ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the bombardment illustrates Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions to continue the invasion of Ukraine. In a message posted on the Telegram messaging app, Zelenskyy remarked, "A strike before Christmas, when people want to be with their families, at home, in safety," emphasizing the cruel timing of the attack. He added that it comes amidst ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, underscoring that "Putin cannot accept the fact that we must stop killing."
Efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump for several months to broker a peace agreement have faced significant hurdles, primarily due to the conflicting demands put forth by Moscow and Kyiv. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who reported on his recent discussions, described them as "productive and constructive." However, Trump's comments on Monday were more reserved, indicating that the negotiations were ongoing but not progressing as swiftly as hoped.
Initial reports from Ukrainian emergency services indicated the tragic loss of the toddler in the northwestern Zhytomyr region, while a drone strike resulted in the death of a woman in the Kyiv region. Another civilian casualty was confirmed in the western Khmelnytskyi region. Furthermore, authorities from the western provinces of Rivne, Ternopil, and Lviv, along with the northern Sumy region, reported significant damage to energy infrastructure and power outages following the strike.
In the southern Odesa region, Russian attacks targeted essential energy, transport, industrial, and residential infrastructure. Regional head Oleh Kiper reported that these strikes damaged a merchant ship and affected over 120 homes, further exacerbating the humanitarian situation in an already beleaguered region.
This latest wave of attacks not only underscores the persistent violence but also highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains perilous for civilians caught in the crossfire.
For more updates on the war in Ukraine, please follow the continuing coverage by the Associated Press.
