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Russia intensifies winter strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid
Russia has launched a large-scale assault on Ukraine’s power infrastructure during the Christmas period, inflicting severe damage across multiple regions as subzero temperatures gripped the country. The attacks, described by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “an extremely clear signal” of Moscow’s continued war strategy, left millions facing blackouts during one of the coldest weeks of winter.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russian missiles and drones targeted energy facilities in 13 regions, resulting in widespread outages. In the Zhytomyr region, two people, including a four-year-old child, were killed, while another fatality was reported outside Kyiv. Emergency crews reported extensive damage to generation and distribution systems, forcing power companies to implement rolling blackouts.
Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk said several oblasts were “almost completely without electricity,” describing the situation as critical. The strikes underscore Russia’s persistent campaign to erode Ukraine’s energy resilience, a tactic analysts have called the “weaponization of winter.”
The timing of the assault, just days before Christmas, amplified public outrage. Many Ukrainians were sheltering in cold basements as air defense forces intercepted waves of drones and missiles. Zelenskyy accused Moscow of deliberately attacking civilians instead of focusing on front-line objectives, declaring that “the Kremlin’s priorities remain destruction and fear.”
The renewed bombardment came shortly after international discussions in Miami, where peace negotiators reviewed draft proposals intended to outline a potential end to the war. Following the talks, Zelenskyy said Russia’s actions demonstrated an unwillingness to reduce hostilities. “Putin still cannot accept that he must stop killing,” he said. “There is not yet enough pressure on Russia.”
Analysts warn that continued assaults on energy systems could exacerbate Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis amid persistent infrastructure shortages and limited restoration capacity. As the conflict drags into another winter, both sides appear entrenched, with little indication of de-escalation in sight.
