Russia resumes missile strikes on Ukrainian cities

Ukraine’s Capital and Second-Largest City Under Attack from Russian Forces

Russian forces launched a series of drone and missile strikes against Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine’s capital and second-largest city, respectively, on Tuesday night. The attacks, which occurred during a supposed weeklong truce amid winter conditions, left thousands of homes without heat.

According to Ukrainian officials, 450 drones and over 60 missiles were used in the attack. Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, accused Russia of targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv as temperatures dropped. The attacks caused damage to residential buildings, apartment blocks, and a kindergarten.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that 1,170 residential buildings in the capital were left without heating due to the attacks. Footage on social media showed flames engulfing an apartment building in Kyiv. Two thermal power plants in the capital were also reportedly hit.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that the attacks aimed to cause maximum destruction and leave the city without heat during severe frost. As a result, officials had to cut heating to 820 buildings to prevent the wider network from freezing.

Public broadcaster Suspilne reported that power was knocked out in several towns in Kharkiv region, including Izyum and Balakliya. A drone attack in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia also resulted in a woman’s death.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to halt attacks on Kyiv and various towns amid the winter weather, according to US President Donald Trump. However, Moscow said the truce would last only until Sunday. The attacks occurred as Russian and Ukrainian officials prepared to meet for new talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Source: Al Jazeera