“Latest Wave of Attacks by Russian Forces in Ukraine Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power”

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been raging for over a year, with no end in sight. On Thursday, the latest wave of attacks by Russian forces caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and power grids in several cities and regions in Ukraine. At least three people were killed and seven injured in the nationwide attacks, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service.

The attacks began with explosive drones on select regions before expanding to “air and sea-based cruise missiles launched from strategic aircraft and ships” in the morning, Ukraine’s army chief, Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhny said in a post on his Telegram channel. Air defense systems were activated in the city to fend off the ongoing missile attacks, according to the city’s regional administration.

Forty percent of Kyiv residents were without power, mayor Vitali Klitschko said, adding that this was due to security measures taken by power engineers during the air raid alarm and that they were now working to resume services. In western Ukraine, Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi said 90% of the city was without power, cautioning that the city’s waterworks could also to stop working with electricity down.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said those were the only words that came to mind watching Moscow launch a fresh wave of attacks on Ukrainian cities ahead of the New Year, adding there could be “no neutrality” in the face of such aggression.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that Moscow will not negotiate with Kyiv on the basis of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposed 10-point peace formula, which includes Russia’s withdrawal from all Ukrainian territory, a path to nuclear safety, food security, a special tribunal for alleged Russian war crimes, and a final peace treaty with Moscow.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been devastating for the citizens of both countries, with no end in sight. Thursday’s attacks caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and power grids, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said there could be “no neutrality” in the face of such aggression and that Moscow will not negotiate with Kyiv on the basis of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposed 10-point peace formula. It is clear that the only way to end this conflict is through peaceful negotiations.