By Gloria Ogbonna
Russia unleashed what Ukrainian officials are calling a “massive” overnight drone and missile assault across the country, striking energy facilities, transportation hubs, and residential areas as diplomatic negotiations between Kyiv and Washington enter a critical third day.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia deployed 653 drones and 51 missiles in the coordinated attack, triggering air-raid sirens nationwide as the country marked its Armed Forces Day. Ukrainian defenses intercepted the majority of the projectiles—585 drones and 30 missiles—but 29 locations were still hit.
Widespread Damage and Civilian Injuries
At least eight people were injured, including three in the Kyiv region, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported. Drone activity was recorded as far west as the Lviv region, showing the unprecedented reach of the assault.
Ukraine’s energy operator, Ukrenergo, revealed that Russia targeted power stations and critical energy infrastructure, an ongoing strategy aimed at crippling Ukraine’s power grid ahead of winter.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that energy facilities were the primary targets and noted that a drone strike destroyed the train station in Fastiv, a city in the Kyiv region.
Russia Reports Ukrainian Retaliation
Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its own air defenses downed 116 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.
A Russian Telegram channel, Astra, claimed that Ukraine struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery, sharing videos appearing to show a major fire and thick smoke rising from the complex.
Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov later acknowledged that a drone attack had damaged a residential building and debris had fallen onto an “industrial facility,” though he stopped short of confirming the refinery strike. Kyiv did not immediately comment.
For months, Ukraine has been conducting long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries in an attempt to cut off a key source of wartime revenue for Moscow. Meanwhile,
Ukraine and its Western partners accuse Russia of weaponizing winter by repeatedly targeting power grids, heating plants, and water systems.
Diplomatic Talks Continue Amid Escalating Violence
The assault comes as representatives for U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian officials continue peace discussions, meeting in Florida for a third straight day.
Both sides said they have made progress toward crafting a postwar security framework for Ukraine, but emphasized that any real breakthrough hinges on Moscow’s willingness to pursue a long-term peace agreement.
A joint statement from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump adviser Jared Kushner, and Ukrainian negotiators Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov described the talks as constructive but cautioned that sustained diplomatic movement depends on Russia’s readiness to engage seriously.
As Kyiv endures yet another winter under fire and Russia continues to press its military advantage, the latest barrage underscores the turbulent backdrop against which peace efforts are unfolding.
Source Breitbrat
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