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Large-Scale Drone and Missile Attack Hits Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
On Sunday, Russian forces orchestrated a significant aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles targeting critical energy and power plant infrastructure. This offensive reportedly involved at least 120 missiles and around 90 drones, including the Iranian-designed Shahed drones, marking it as the most extensive long-range attack from Russia in the last three months.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the assault was aimed at crippling energy resources across Ukraine. He noted that the attack resulted in casualties, with two individuals killed and six others injured, including two children, as a result of a drone strike in Mykolaiv. Zelenskyy also stated that Ukrainian air defense managed to intercept and neutralize 144 projectiles before they could reach their designated targets.
Impact Across Major Cities
Explosions were reported in several major Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Dnipro, with Odesa, a crucial port city, suffering a complete power outage due to the attacks. The frequency and scale of such assaults appear to align with Russia’s historical tactics of targeting Ukraine’s energy capabilities, particularly as winter approaches and the demand for energy increases.
In response to the aerial bombardment, Poland’s military took precautionary measures by mobilizing its air force, though there were no instances of Russian missiles landing within Polish borders.
Military Developments Amid Ongoing Conflict
This escalation comes at a pivotal moment as President-elect Donald Trump is anticipated to announce the appointment of a special envoy for peace negotiations concerning the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The role is likely to be voluntary, mirroring the previous position held by Kurt Volker from 2017 to 2019, which was undertaken without a salary.
Trump has been swift in revealing his Cabinet selections, intending to address major international issues, including the conflict in Ukraine. He has previously expressed confidence in his ability to negotiate a resolution to the war alongside Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin.
Assessing Proposed Terms and Outcomes
Reports suggest that some advisers are advocating for an agreement that would establish a demilitarized zone of approximately 800 miles, effectively freezing current frontlines and permitting Russia to retain control over occupied territories that comprise nearly 20% of Ukraine. Furthermore, proposals include a stipulation that Ukraine refrain from pursuing NATO membership for a period of 20 years, a suggestion that has drawn criticism for potentially conceding to Russian demands.
As Ukraine faces this renewed assault, the international community watches closely for the ramifications on both the ongoing military conflict and diplomatic negotiations that may unfold in the near future.
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