🔗 Share this article

A devastating drone and missile strike from Moscow on the capital of Ukraine has led to the deaths of two people and injuries to 37 others, while disrupting power to the western half of the city, leaving at least 500,000 residents in the dark.

Large-Scale Attack Highlights the Country's Dependence on Western Aid

Close to 600 unmanned aircraft and over three dozen missiles were launched at Ukraine in an attack that Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated underscored the critical requirement for western assistance with air defense systems, as well as economic and diplomatic aid.

"We must act without losing a single day to ensure that there are sufficient projectiles for our defensive networks, and that everything necessary for our defense and for deterring Russia is in place," the Ukrainian president said.

Victims and Attack Waves Documented

Officials confirmed that a third person was fatally injured in the areas around the capital, with multiple phases of attacks audible across Kyiv. The first assault began at around midnight, and a second one at approximately 7am, before an all-clear was issued at close to mid-morning.

Ukrainian Counter Attack on Moscow's Fuel Facility

The armed forces of Ukraine announced that it had struck the Afipsky oil refinery in southern Russia, a major facility in the region, igniting a blaze at the site. This plant provides diesel and jet fuel to Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.

Tactical Campaign to Break Ukraine's Defenses

Moscow is pursuing a campaign to break the country's civil resistance this cold season by targeting its energy infrastructure as the war heads towards its fourth year. These strikes coincide with a series of key Ukrainian officials being involved in a graft controversy.

Political Upheaval and Departures

In recent developments, the chief of staff, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's key assistant, was compelled to step down after his residence was inspected by anti-corruption officials probing a kickback scheme. Additional government members have previously been dismissed, and the alleged architect of the plan, an old friend of Zelenskyy, has left the nation.

Zelenskyy announced that he would restructure the office of the president—which Yermak ran as a gatekeeper to the president—amid speculation about potential successors or how it could be reorganized.

Appeals for New Leadership and Political Challenges

An lawmaker from the opposition urged the leader to name a former military chief, the country's ambassador to the UK, to a key role. Liudmyla Buimister wrote in a online message that "a man trusted by the armed forces, citizens and international partners is exactly what we need at this time."

Zaluzhnyi has been considered a potential political challenger to Zelenskyy, though allies of the diplomat indicated they were unsure he would agree if asked.

Negotiations and International Developments

Yermak reportedly told media outlets that he was "going to the front" and was "prepared for any consequences," though it was ambiguous how he might serve the military. He added in a written communication, "I consider myself an ethical and upright person."

Yermak led Ukraine's delegation over the recent weeks as Kyiv responded to a pro-Russia proposal released by the U.S. administration. It called for that Ukraine withdraw from a contested region and accept a general amnesty, and that the international community drop sanctions imposed on Russia.

Talks stalled this week during the American celebration, but are anticipated to resume soon. A team from Ukraine headed by a security official, secretary of the country’s national security council, has set out for Washington, Zelenskyy confirmed.

Ukraine has submitted a 19-point counter proposal, which has been shared with Russian authorities. Next week, a U.S. representative the diplomat is due to arrive in the Moscow, though few expect a significant progress, since last week the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, described the Ukrainian leadership as invalid.

Weakened Position and Economic Challenges

Ukraine's position is undermined by the graft controversy, clearly the most serious domestic political crisis of the current administration, while Russia aims that its continued bombing and a possible economic downturn for the country will weaken its resolve.

Ukraine is hoping that EU leaders will approve a €140bn assistance package secured against Russian central bank assets to stabilize its budget from the coming year, but resistance from a key EU member, where most of the money is held, has reduced expectations of securing a deal by the year's conclusion.