Ukrainian officials reported on Wednesday that a Russian overnight bombardment in and around the capital Kyiv resulted in six fatalities and caused widespread power outages throughout the nation.
The assault occurred one day following the obstruction of attempts to resolve the almost four-year conflict, as a scheduled presidential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was annulled.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on social media, “Another night demonstrates that Russia does not experience sufficient pressure to prolong the war.”
Currently, 17 individuals are reported to have sustained injuries. Regrettably, six individuals lost their lives, including two children,” he stated.
AFP journalists in Kyiv reported hearing numerous explosions overnight and observed a column of smoke ascending above the capital.
The strikes further aimed at the nation’s energy infrastructure, resulting in thousands being deprived of warmth and electricity throughout Ukraine during the winter season, as reported by the energy ministry.
“Emergency power outages have been implemented in most regions of Ukraine due to a significant missile and drone assault on the energy infrastructure,” the statement indicated.
Russia announced the interception of 33 Ukrainian drones overnight, without indicating any significant damage incurred.
– Trump strikes once more –
Trump announced his intention to meet with Putin for peace negotiations in Budapest, Hungary, within two weeks, following what he described as a constructive telephone conversation aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
However, on Tuesday, he abandoned those plans, stating he did not desire a “fruitless” meeting.
A senior Ukrainian source informed AFP that the US leader had already urged Zelensky to relinquish the eastern Donbas region during discussions at the White House on Friday.
Ukraine has consistently refused requests to relinquish territory.
European allies have united in support of Ukraine, dismissing the notion of territorial concessions and advocating for a cessation of hostilities along the existing battle lines.
In a statement after the nocturnal assault, Zelensky remarked, “Russian rhetoric regarding diplomacy is meaningless as long as the Russian leadership remains oblivious to critical issues.”
In February 2022, Putin commanded a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, characterizing it as a “special military operation” aimed at demilitarizing the nation and obstructing NATO’s progress.
Kyiv and its European partners assert that the conflict constitutes an unlawful acquisition of territory, leading to numerous civilian and military fatalities and extensive devastation.
Russia currently holds around one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, much of which has been devastated by conflict, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and military personnel.
