Amidst the backdrop of a delicate peace negotiation process, Russia unleashed a devastating assault on Ukraine's major cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, on the second day of the tripartite talks. This attack, marked by the use of drones and missiles, occurred as US, Ukrainian, and Russian negotiators were engaged in discussions in the United Arab Emirates. The strikes resulted in a grim toll, with one individual losing their life and at least 15 others sustaining injuries, according to officials in Kyiv. The city's infrastructure, already reeling from Russian attacks on energy facilities, faced further disruption, with widespread outages of heat, water, and power.
The timing of these strikes is particularly concerning, as they coincide with Russia's insistence on maintaining control over the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine. This assertion raises doubts about Moscow's commitment to peace. Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, reported a grim situation, stating that one individual had died and four were injured, with three of the injured requiring hospitalization. The strikes caused fires in several buildings and disrupted essential services like heat and water supply.
The energy crisis, exacerbated by the mid-winter conditions, has left many without heat and power for extended periods. Klitschko's office revealed that approximately 1,940 residential buildings in the capital were without heating after renewed attacks, and he warned that this might not be the most severe moment yet. The crisis has prompted the temporary departure of 600,000 residents from the city.
Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv's military administration, confirmed strikes in at least four districts, including a medical facility. This attack follows two mass overnight strikes earlier in the year, which knocked out power and heating for hundreds of residential buildings. Despite the efforts of emergency workers, the overnight temperatures dropped to -13C (9F), adding to the challenges faced by the residents.
In Kharkiv, a city frequently targeted, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported 25 drones hitting several districts over two and a half hours, resulting in at least 14 injuries. The drones struck a dormitory for displaced individuals, a hospital, and a maternity hospital, causing further devastation.
These latest attacks occurred after the completion of the first day of peace talks, which aimed to find a resolution to the ongoing war. The situation underscores the complexity of the conflict and the challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution.
