Russia Launches Devastating Assault on Ukraine Amid Ongoing Peace Talks
A brutal drone and missile attack slammed into two of Ukraine's largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, early Saturday morning, leaving residents without heat and power for days. The assault came as US, Ukrainian, and Russian negotiators met in the United Arab Emirates for a second day of tripartite peace talks.
The latest wave of attacks was widely condemned by Ukrainians, who called it "Russian terror" and accused Moscow of cynically ordering the strike while diplomats were gathered to advance an America-led peace process. The assault has added urgency to ongoing discussions over Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, a contentious area that remains at the center of the conflict.
According to Ukrainian officials, around 1.2 million consumers lost power across the country, with approximately 800,000 of those affected residing in Kyiv. The city is grappling with its worst energy crisis since January, where hundreds of residential buildings have been left without heat and power.
The head of Kyiv's military administration reported that at least four districts were hit by drones, including a medical facility. In Kharkiv, 25 drones struck several neighborhoods over two and a half hours, leaving 14 people injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has demanded that Moscow implement agreements made in Davos regarding air defense support for Ukraine. Speaking after the attack, he stated that "agreements must be fully implemented."
Despite the latest escalation, both sides have signaled openness to further dialogue. Ukrainian officials say they are willing to continue negotiating, with Zelenskyy stating that constructive talks were held and suggesting another round could take place as early as next week.
As the crisis deepens, Moscow remains firmly entrenched in its position on Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. The fate of this territory remains a major sticking point in negotiations, which have thus far made little progress towards a lasting settlement to the war.
A brutal drone and missile attack slammed into two of Ukraine's largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, early Saturday morning, leaving residents without heat and power for days. The assault came as US, Ukrainian, and Russian negotiators met in the United Arab Emirates for a second day of tripartite peace talks.
The latest wave of attacks was widely condemned by Ukrainians, who called it "Russian terror" and accused Moscow of cynically ordering the strike while diplomats were gathered to advance an America-led peace process. The assault has added urgency to ongoing discussions over Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, a contentious area that remains at the center of the conflict.
According to Ukrainian officials, around 1.2 million consumers lost power across the country, with approximately 800,000 of those affected residing in Kyiv. The city is grappling with its worst energy crisis since January, where hundreds of residential buildings have been left without heat and power.
The head of Kyiv's military administration reported that at least four districts were hit by drones, including a medical facility. In Kharkiv, 25 drones struck several neighborhoods over two and a half hours, leaving 14 people injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has demanded that Moscow implement agreements made in Davos regarding air defense support for Ukraine. Speaking after the attack, he stated that "agreements must be fully implemented."
Despite the latest escalation, both sides have signaled openness to further dialogue. Ukrainian officials say they are willing to continue negotiating, with Zelenskyy stating that constructive talks were held and suggesting another round could take place as early as next week.
As the crisis deepens, Moscow remains firmly entrenched in its position on Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. The fate of this territory remains a major sticking point in negotiations, which have thus far made little progress towards a lasting settlement to the war.
sad face
It's like, can't we all just get along? 
The drone and missile attacks are devastating, leaving people without heat and power for days. That's like being stuck in a never-ending winter 
. And what about the 14 people who were injured in Kharkiv? 
. But at the same time, I'm glad that both sides are still open to negotiating... maybe we can find a way to end this war soon 
.
what if it gets even worse they need help ASAP from everyone 
maybe we can do something to help them get back on their feet 
Oh man, it's getting worse and worse over there! Russia is just brutalizing Ukraine like that... what even is their strategy? 
The thought of people living without heat and power for days because of this madness is just heartbreaking 
And on top of that, the fact that Russia is refusing to implement agreements they made in Davos... come on, can't they see how pointless it all is? 
Maybe it's time for some world leaders to step up their game and actually do something about this instead of just talking about peace. 
also why did this happen while diplomats were in talks? it's like russia is playing a cruel game of cat and mouse with ukraine's citizens 
maybe next week will bring some positive news 
! Can't believe Russia would do something so cruel to innocent people. Those drone and missile attacks are like something out of a nightmare 
. I'm thinking about all those families who lost power and heat for days, it's just not right. And the medical facility getting hit in Kyiv? 
That's just sickening.
. Demanding that Moscow implements the agreements they made in Davos is like, super reasonable. And I'm glad Ukrainian officials are still open to dialogue 
I mean, Russia is like that one friend who always shows up late to dinner and then orders 12 more pizzas 
. Can't they just chill? 
Meanwhile, Ukraine's all like "peace talks, yaaas!" and then BAM! 
️. Can we just get to the part where everyone sips coffee and tries to find common ground 
️? 
. Also, 1.2 million people without power is kinda insane. I hope they get that sorted out ASAP. These peace talks need to move faster, don't wanna lose anyone else 
.
. its so frustrating when countries just can't seem to get along, especially with something as important as peace talks going on 
. Like, I get that they're trying to maintain control over Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, but do they really need to resort to brutal attacks like this? 
The timing just seems so cruel, with diplomats gathering for peace talks and all 
. But let's not forget that Russia has been saying they're interested in a peace process too 
It feels like we're back to square one every time 
... that's just devastating 
. Can't we all just get along and find a way to resolve this without more bloodshed? 
Newsflash: it's not gonna work! The world is watching, and we won't stand idly by. I hope the peace talks lead somewhere good for Ukraine. They deserve our support. 
. Zelenskyy seems like a total boss tho 
demanding moscow implement air defense agreements 
dont no wut russians r thinkin but ukrainians cnt take dis kinda brutality 
. lets hope peace talks go thru 2moro & ukraine gets the support they need 
maybe if everyone took a step back and thought about the human side of things 
rather than getting caught up in politics or nationalism 
and now everyone's in the dark, literally - no heat or power for days??
zelenskyy's on it though, he's all "agree to the agreements or else" 
fingers crossed these talks actually go somewhere this time 
they r goin thru so much already & now dis... its like moscow is tryna drive them crazy