August M
A renewed wave of Russian attacks has struck Ukraine as freezing temperatures grip the country. The latest strikes have intensified pressure on civilians and infrastructure at a critical moment in the war.
Ukrainian officials say the timing and targets point to a deliberate strategy aimed at deepening suffering during winter.
Second major strike
Russia carried out a second nationwide drone and missile barrage in four days, launching around 300 drones along with dozens of missiles overnight, according to the Mirror.
The bombardment came as the war approaches its fourth year, dealing a setback to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
Targeting the cold
Most of the weapons were aimed at heating systems, power plants and electricity substations. Temperatures in parts of Kyiv dropped to minus 16 degrees Celsius.
Several hundred thousand households in the capital were left without electricity. Officials said the outages were the most severe Kyiv has faced so far, after days of rolling power shortages.
Ukraine has accused Russia throughout the war of trying to deprive civilians of heat and running water to weaken public resistance.
Life without power
In Kyiv’s Dniprovskyi district, residents gathered at so-called “Points of Invincibility,” government-run shelters offering warmth, food and electricity.
Olena Davydova, 30, said she had been without power for nearly 50 hours as she charged her phone. “I still have enough patience. I’m not reacting to this in a very emotional way,” she said.
Such shelters have become a regular feature of urban life during periods of heavy Russian strikes.
Zelenskyy responds
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attacks showed why international support must continue.
“Where Russia tries to destroy, Ukrainians support each other. Internal resilience is now crucial,” he said.
“Each strike against life reminds the world that support for Ukraine cannot stop. The cold will not help Russia win. Air defence systems are needed every day, especially in winter.”
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is counting on faster deliveries of promised air defence systems from the United States and Europe.
Wider escalation
On Monday, the United States accused Moscow of a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation” as Washington seeks to advance peace talks. The latest strikes followed Russia’s rejection of recent US proposals.
The United Nations said last year was the deadliest for Ukrainian civilians since 2022, with 2,514 killed and more than 12,000 injured.
Sources: Mirror, Ukrainian authorities, United Nations
