Winter Offensive: Russian Drone Wave Strikes Energy Grid; Kyiv Pleads for Air Defense Restock
Residents of the Ukrainian capital woke up to the sound of air raid sirens and the thunder of explosions early Sunday, as Russia launched one of its largest combined drone and missile attacks of the winter. Targeting the country’s fragile energy infrastructure, the barrage has left nearly 40% of Kyiv and the surrounding region without electricity as temperatures plunge to -15°C (5°F).
The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have shot down 54 of the 70 Shahed drones and cruise missiles, but the sheer volume of the attack overwhelmed air defenses in several sectors. Critical substations in Kharkiv and Odessa were also hit.
A stark photo of a “Point of Invincibility” (emergency warming center) in Kyiv. It is a large tent illuminated by battery-powered lamps. Inside, elderly people and mothers with children are huddled in coats, drinking tea and charging their phones. Outside the tent, the city is pitch black, with only the moon and distant searchlights visible.
“We Are Running Empty”
In a video address posted Sunday evening from a darkened presidential palace, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy issued a blunt plea to Western allies.
“We are grateful for the support, but gratitude does not shoot down missiles,” Zelenskiy said, looking visibly exhausted. “Our stocks of Patriot and IRIS-T interceptors are critically low. Russia knows this. They are trying to freeze us into submission. We need ammunition now, not next month.”
The Stalemate
On the front lines in the Donbas, the situation remains a bloody stalemate. Russian “meat assaults” continue near Avdiivka, yielding minor territorial gains at massive human cost. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s ability to counter-attack is hampered by the lack of artillery shells—a shortage caused by production delays in the EU and political gridlock in Washington.
With the US Congress still debating the 2026 aid package and the Trump administration pushing for a ceasefire deal that would freeze current lines, morale in Kyiv is being tested like never before. The lights may be out, but Ukrainians insist their resolve remains unbroken.
