The Kremlin commended President-elect Donald Trump for opposing Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied weapons to strike Russian targets, hours after Russia launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The attack, one of the largest of the war, underscores escalating tensions as both sides vie for advantage ahead of potential ceasefire talks.
Russia’s aerial barrage targeted Ukraine’s energy grid, leaving thousands without power during freezing temperatures. The assault was framed as retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S.-made ATACMS missiles against a Russian airfield earlier this week. Russia’s defense ministry stated the strike was a response to Western arms, which Moscow claims make NATO countries active participants in the conflict.
Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 81 of the 94 missiles fired, alongside nearly 200 drones. Despite these efforts, extensive damage was inflicted on thermal power plants, and widespread outages were reported in regions such as Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk. Energy provider DTEK confirmed severe damage to equipment and increased electricity restrictions nationwide.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s actions, characterizing the strikes as terrorism and a signal of Moscow’s disinterest in peace. Zelensky urged Western allies to provide advanced air defense systems, including NASAMS and IRIS-T, and impose harsher sanctions on Moscow.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed approval of Trump’s criticism of Ukraine’s long-range missile use, aligning it with Moscow’s stance. Peskov added that Russia’s conditions for peace include the achievement of all its strategic goals, leaving little room for immediate negotiations.
The Biden administration is expediting aid to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration in January, with European leaders also exploring diplomatic and military measures. French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have discussed deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire be reached.
As the conflict deepens, both sides are bracing for further escalation. Ukrainian officials stress the need to deprive Russia of its means of waging war, while Moscow insists on its terms for any potential peace.
