President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that overnight drone and ballistic missile attacks damaged Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leading to blackouts and disrupted water supplies. The strikes targeted 12 Ukrainian regions, with the capital, Kyiv, being hit the hardest.
The wave of attacks, which consisted of more than 30 ballistic missiles and over 170 drones, resulted in nine reported injuries across the country, including one child. Zelensky wrote on Telegram that Moscow was preparing for upcoming trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi by launching attacks on Ukraine's "critical infrastructure".
Zelensky reported that the situation in Kyiv is difficult, noting disruptions to electricity, water, and heating supplies. He stated that residential buildings, the North Bridge, and a kindergarten were damaged. Additionally, strikes hit substations connecting the Rivne and Khmelnytsky nuclear power plants to Kyiv and central Ukraine. Beyond the capital, Zelensky said substations were damaged in the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Kharkiv, and Dnipro regions.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko provided an update stating that the city's water supply system has returned to normal operation. He also reported that approximately 60% of the city's apartment buildings are currently connected to the heating system. Energy minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed power cuts in five regions, though he did not specify the number of homes affected.
These strikes follow a Thursday meeting at the White House where US First Lady Melania Trump hosted Russian and Ukrainian delegations. She called for a "more enduring" ceasefire following a truce last week in the southern Kherson region. During that six-day ceasefire, which both Moscow and Kyiv credited Trump with brokering, hundreds of residents from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky were able to evacuate. Trump stated, "The lives of innocent people must transcend the division of war. I hope Oleshky inspires greater peace."
Earlier this week, the death toll rose to 55 after glide bombs hit an aid centre near Zaporizhihia. In a Telegram post on Saturday, Zelensky noted that Ukraine is counting on increased bilateral support from the United States. He wrote that Ukraine is counting on unity between both parties on security, support for Ukraine, condemnation of Russian aggression, and increased sanctions pressure on Putin. Zelensky emphasized that the resolve and consistency of the United States in supporting Ukraine are of great importance in bringing peace closer.
