Russia launched its largest strike in weeks, firing 51 missiles and 653 drones across Ukraine overnight, injuring at least eight people and hitting multiple energy facilities. Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 585 drones and 30 missiles, but confirmed that 29 locations were struck. Authorities reported casualties in several regions, including three injured near Kyiv, and drones were detected as far west as Lviv.
Ukraine’s national grid operator, Ukrenergo, said the attack was aimed primarily at power stations and other key energy sites as winter temperatures drop. One of the most serious incidents occurred at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which briefly lost all external power due to the strikes. Although the reactors are currently shut down, the plant still depends on a stable power supply to cool nuclear fuel and prevent a safety crisis.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the latest bombardment was part of Russia’s ongoing effort to cripple the energy network, noting that a drone strike also destroyed the train station in Fastiv near Kyiv. Russia claimed to have shot down 116 Ukrainian drones launched overnight. Meanwhile, Ukraine continued its strategy of targeting Russia’s oil sector, striking the Ryazan Oil Refinery, though Moscow has not confirmed the extent of damage.
The overnight escalation coincided with ongoing negotiations in Florida between representatives of the Trump administration and Ukrainian officials working on a possible postwar security plan. Zelenskyy said he was in touch with his delegation and reaffirmed Ukraine’s intention to “achieve peace,” but both sides acknowledged that meaningful progress depends on whether Russia signals genuine readiness for a long-term settlement. Leaders from the UK, France and Germany are expected to meet Zelenskyy in London on Monday as diplomatic discussions continue alongside the fighting.
