Russia has carried out one of the largest aerial assaults of its war against Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles targeting cities and critical infrastructure. The attacks came as diplomatic efforts between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia continued, highlighting the ongoing tension between battlefield escalation and peace negotiations.

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Details of the Russian Assault

According to Ukrainian officials, the overnight barrage on Friday involved:

• 653 drones
• 51 missiles

The strikes hit 29 separate locations, primarily targeting energy infrastructure such as power stations, railway facilities, and other critical installations.

Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported at least eight people were wounded in the attacks. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 585 drones and 30 missiles, but some strikes still caused significant damage.

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Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Temporarily Disrupted

One of the most alarming consequences of the assault was a temporary power outage at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, currently under Russian occupation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned that continuous electricity is essential to cool the plant’s six shutdown reactors and prevent catastrophic failure. The latest strikes raise serious concerns about nuclear safety amid ongoing conflict.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said:
“Energy facilities were the main targets. One drone strike destroyed a railway station in Fastiv, near Kyiv.”

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Russia’s Justification for Strikes

Moscow claimed the attacks targeted military-industrial complex enterprises and supporting energy facilities. Russian authorities asserted that all designated targets were successfully hit.

Despite Moscow’s offensive, Zelenskyy reported a “substantive” phone call with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, emphasizing that progress toward peace depends entirely on Russia’s willingness to de-escalate.

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Ongoing Battlefield Situation

The military dynamics in eastern Ukraine continue to favor Russia:

• Russian forces are closing in on Pokrovsk in Donetsk and nearly surrounding Myrnohrad.
• In November alone, Russia captured 505 sq km (195 sq miles), nearly double October’s gains.
• Russia controls almost the entirety of Luhansk region and most coastal territories extending to Kherson.

While the front lines have stabilized, Moscow continues incremental advances.

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International Diplomatic Efforts

French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are set to meet Zelenskyy in London to assess US-mediated negotiations.

Previous meetings in Miami and Moscow failed to produce agreements, and a joint statement emphasized that real progress depends on Russia demonstrating serious commitment to long-term peace, including steps toward de-escalation.

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International Criminal Court and Accountability

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has maintained that the arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine cannot be suspended by peace negotiations. ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan stressed that accountability is crucial for enduring peace.

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Putin’s Position

Putin has signaled he will not soften his territorial demands, ordering Russian forces to prepare for continued winter combat operations, indicating that military escalation may continue even as diplomacy unfolds.