Russia Intensifies Ukraine Attacks: Kharkiv and Odesa Targeted in Overnight Strikes
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Russia escalated its attacks on Ukraine late Monday, unleashing a barrage of drones and missiles that crippled power in Kharkiv, the nation’s second-largest city, and wounded 23 people in Odesa. The strikes, occurring amidst freezing winter conditions, represent a significant intensification of Moscow’s campaign targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.
Kharkiv Plunged into Darkness
The city of Kharkiv and the surrounding region are facing widespread power outages following the assault. According to reports, approximately 80% of the city and region are currently without electricity. A senior official stated, “Our energy system came under attack and there was quite serious damage. All crews are at work to eliminate all the negative consequences quickly.” The attacks also resulted in injuries to two individuals and damage to two schools, as reported by Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov via the Telegram messaging app. Images circulating on unofficial Telegram channels depict the eastern city, located just 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the Russian border, enveloped in darkness. The constant threat of further air raids is significantly hindering repair efforts.
Odesa Hit by “Massive” Drone Attack
Simultaneously, Russia launched what was described as a “massive” drone attack on the southern port city of Odesa overnight. The head of the city’s military administration, Serhiy Lysak, confirmed the assault via Telegram. Regional Governor Oleh Kiper reported that nine of the 23 injured individuals, including two children and a pregnant woman, required hospitalization. Authorities have indicated that individuals may still be trapped under the rubble.
The attack caused extensive damage, impacting dozens of residential buildings, a church, a kindergarten, and a high school, triggering large fires across multiple locations. Odesa and its surrounding region, vital for Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, have been consistently targeted by Russian forces in recent weeks.
Wider Regional Impacts
The attacks weren’t limited to Kharkiv and Odesa. Energy infrastructure in the neighboring Mykolaiv region was also the primary target of a drone strike, resulting in injuries to a 59-year-old woman. Furthermore, an infrastructure facility in western Ukraine’s Lviv region, which shares a border with NATO-member Poland, also sustained damage in a Russian attack.
Ukrainian Air Defenses Engage
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russian troops launched a total of 165 drones on Tuesday, with air defense units successfully neutralizing 135 of them. Despite these efforts, the scale of the attacks underscores the ongoing vulnerability of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and the challenges facing the nation as winter sets in. The continued targeting of civilian infrastructure raises concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict and the resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid.
