Russian missile and drone strikes have left thousands of Ukrainians without electricity, while a Russian drone attack killed two people in Russia’s Saratov region, as U.S.-led peace talks continue in an effort to end the war, now in its fourth year.
Damage Across Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian night-time attacks targeted over a dozen civilian facilities, causing widespread power outages across seven regions, including the capital, Kyiv.
Zelenskyy condemned the attacks on social media, stating, “It is important that everyone now sees what Russia is doing… for this is clearly not about ending the war. They still aim to destroy our state and inflict maximum pain on our people.”
Officials warn that Russia is weaponising winter, attempting to deny civilians access to heat, light, and water for the fourth consecutive cold season. The Kherson region, including its regional capital, also experienced blackouts following the strikes.
Drone Attack in Russia
In Russia’s southwestern Saratov region, a drone strike killed two people and damaged a residential building, along with blowing out windows in a kindergarten and local clinic. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 41 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Peace Talks and Ongoing Obstacles
Kremlin adviser Yury Ushakov recently stated that Russian police and National Guard units would remain in Donbas—comprising Donetsk and Luhansk regions—even if a peace settlement is reached. Ukraine rejects these demands, creating a major sticking point in ongoing negotiations led by the United States and European partners.
Germany is set to host President Zelenskyy for talks aimed at progressing peace efforts, while U.S. negotiators, under President Donald Trump, continue mediating. A central dispute remains over control of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russian forces, as well as security guarantees for Kyiv.
Escalation in the Black Sea
In the absence of a ceasefire, Russian forces have intensified attacks in the Black Sea, targeting Ukrainian ports and damaging three Turkish-owned vessels, including one carrying grain. An attack on Odesa caused grain silos to catch fire at the port, with Ukrainian officials condemning the strikes as having “no military purpose.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for safe navigation in the Black Sea, warning against it becoming an “area of confrontation” and urging a limited ceasefire on attacks against ports and energy infrastructure.
Humanitarian and Strategic Impact
The ongoing strikes threaten civilian infrastructure, energy access, and vital food supply chains. Analysts warn that winter conditions may exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, while delays in peace negotiations continue to escalate regional instability.
Conclusion
Russian attacks across Ukraine and into Russian territory underscore the ongoing intensity of the conflict, even as peace talks advance. Control over Donbas, energy facilities, and strategic ports remains a central obstacle, while civilians continue to face blackouts, displacement, and risks to safety.
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