Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark condemnation of a massive overnight Russian assault on his country's energy grid, declaring that Moscow must learn that "cold will not help it win the war."
Massive Overnight Barrage Targets Civilian Infrastructure
In a statement, Zelenskyy detailed that Russian forces launched almost 300 attack drones and 25 missiles at targets across Ukraine. The assault is part of a sustained campaign to cripple the nation's energy infrastructure as it endures a harsh winter, with temperatures plunging to -12 Celsius.
The president reported "extensive destruction of residential and civilian infrastructure" in multiple regions, including the capital Kyiv, as well as Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Donetsk. Emergency services were pictured battling fires in the aftermath of the attacks, which have left hundreds of thousands without power.
Human Cost and Plea for Accelerated Support
Zelenskyy highlighted a particularly deadly strike in the Kharkiv region, stating that four people were killed when a missile, with "no military purpose whatsoever," hit a postal terminal in Korotych. He framed each attack on civilian life as a powerful reminder that international support for Ukraine must not waver.
"Missiles for air defense systems are needed every day, and especially during winter," Zelenskyy asserted. He called on the world to respond to this "Russian terror" with new assistance packages and expressed hope for the acceleration of deliveries already agreed with America and Europe.
Ukrainian Resilience in the Face of Winter Assault
Despite the severe challenges, the Ukrainian leader pointed to the nation's internal strength. "As always, wherever Russia tries to destroy, Ukrainians support one another, and internal resilience is what is most needed right now," he said.
The situation in the Kyiv region remains difficult, with several hundred thousand households still without electricity following the strikes. Zelenskyy's message concluded with a note of thanks to Ukraine's allies and a firm rebuttal to Russian strategy: "Russia must come to learn that cold will not help it win the war."
