Russias Attacks Worsen Ukraines Energy Crisis Amid Trump Rebuke

Here is a rewritten version of the article in a neutral newsroom style:

Russian Forces Launch Multiple Attacks on Ukraine

On January 9, Russia launched a series of drone and missile strikes against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Odesa, Dnipro, and Lviv. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the attacks resulted in the destruction of 242 kamikaze drones and 26 missiles, with all but 16 drones and 18 missiles being shot down.

The strikes caused significant damage and casualties, with four people killed and nearly 30 wounded. The attacks also left approximately 6,000 apartment buildings without power, heat, or water, affecting half a million people in sub-freezing temperatures.

Two days later, on January 13, Russia struck again, targeting power stations and electricity substations, killing another four civilians. Emergency power cuts were introduced in several regions, including Kyiv and Chernihiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared a state of emergency for Ukraine’s energy sector and set up a coordination headquarters to repair damaged facilities. He also appointed former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as the new energy minister.

The attacks came after an agreement was almost reached between the United States and Ukraine on security guarantees following a ceasefire. However, Russia has rejected this development, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova calling support for a multinational force “militaristic declarations”.

Russia’s defense ministry also announced that it had used its newest ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, in the attacks, which damaged an aircraft factory servicing F-16 and MiG-29 fighters in Lviv.

Source: Al Jazeera