More Than 1 Million in Kyiv Without Power After Russian Strikes, Zelensky Says
AI Analysis
Russian drone and missile strikes targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving over one million people in Kyiv without power. Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for air defense systems and weapons to counter ongoing attacks.
Key Takeaways
- Russian forces launched a large-scale overnight attack using drones and missiles, targeting Ukraine's energy facilities.
- Over one million residents in Kyiv were left without electricity due to the strikes.
- Ukraine's energy minister stated that no power plant has been spared from Russian attacks during the war.
- Zelensky highlighted the critical need for air defense systems and weapons to defend against these attacks.
- The strikes underscore the continued use of drones and missiles in Russia's strategy to disrupt critical infrastructure.
Why It Matters
The use of drones and missiles to target critical infrastructure demonstrates the evolving role of unmanned systems in modern warfare. This highlights the urgent need for advanced counter-UAS and air defense systems to protect civilian infrastructure and maintain operational resilience in conflict zones.
More than one million people in Kyiv were without electricity Tuesday evening after Russian strikes hit Ukraine’s capital, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The outages followed a large overnight attack in which hundreds of Russian drones and missiles crossed Ukraine’s skies, striking energy facilities across the country. Residents described hearing the whistle of incoming weapons, followed by flashes and powerful explosions.
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
According to Ukraine’s newly appointed energy minister, Denys Shmyhal, not a single power plant was spared from Russian attacks over the past four years of war.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said heating had been restored to about 1,600 high-rise buildings in the capital, but around 4,000 others were still without heat after critical infrastructure was damaged.
As global leaders gather this week in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual World Economic Forum, Zelensky said he would attend only if the talks produced concrete results for Ukraine.
Media reports earlier this month said Zelensky and US President Donald Trump could sign an $800 billion postwar reconstruction agreement there, but Zelensky said only that Ukrainian officials would meet with US and European counterparts.
“No one needs empty politics or talks with no results,” Zelensky said in a video address. “Air defense missiles are needed daily. Weapons are needed daily.”
Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.