(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Over 550,000 residents in Russia’s Belgorod region remain without power following Ukrainian strikes, underscoring the continuing reach of Ukraine’s defensive operations against Moscow’s attacks. This comes as Kyiv faces persistent outages, with the United States condemning Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure as undermining the pursuit of peace.
Late-night missile and drone strikes on Kyiv left 70% of the city without electricity, with significant damage to substations and local energy facilities. Ukraine’s state grid operator, Ukrenergo, implemented emergency power cuts in Kyiv and surrounding areas. Vitali Saienko, chief executive of Ukrenergo, told the Kyiv Independent that Russia’s aim appeared to be the forced displacement of the city’s residents. Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, reported that this marked the eighth attack on its thermal power plants since October 2025.
Ukraine’s air force confirmed that Russia launched 18 ballistic missiles, seven cruise missiles, and 293 Shahed drones overnight. Ukrainian defence systems intercepted 240 drones, two ballistic missiles, and five cruise missiles, but some attacks penetrated defences. In the Kharkiv region, four people were killed and several injured, including in a children’s medical facility. Odessa also experienced outages affecting thousands of residents. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba highlighted that these attacks targeted essential energy infrastructure during freezing temperatures of below -15°C, with the goal of depriving civilians of electricity, heating, and water.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Belgorod region reported power outages affecting over half a million residents. Regional governor Vasis Lavrov claimed the outages were the result of Ukrainian attacks and described the situation as “catastrophic,” calling for monitoring to counter “internal enemies” allegedly attempting to provoke instability.
On the southern front, Ukraine reported strikes on Russian drone production facilities in Taganrog, targeting the Atland Aero plant, which manufactures Orion drones and electronic warfare equipment. Officials confirmed that production lines were disrupted, preventing future attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Ukrainian naval and special operations forces were reportedly involved.
Ukrainian authorities also reported unconfirmed drone attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea, including a Greek-flagged tanker, Delta Harmony. Reports suggested the fire on board was extinguished with no casualties, but the incidents illustrate Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to counter Russian military operations beyond its borders.
Diplomatic developments continue alongside military actions. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu reflected on a challenging year in office, emphasising the country’s resistance to Russian interference during parliamentary elections. Moldova, a strategic buffer state between Ukraine and the European Union, successfully resisted efforts by pro-Russian factions to gain power, preserving its path toward EU integration. Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities have also sealed supply routes into Russian-controlled Transnistria, cutting off 1,500 Russian troops stationed there.
The phenomenon of “dark tourism” has emerged in Ukraine, with domestic and international visitors exploring war-affected regions. While the trend raises moral questions, former Ukrainian Tourism Secretary Anna Romanova argued it helps keep global attention on Ukraine and counters Russian disinformation.
Internationally, the US has condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, calling the actions a mockery of peace. UN officials highlighted the human cost of these attacks, noting widespread disruption of energy, heating, and water for millions. European support for Ukraine remains vital as the country continues to counter both military aggression and hybrid tactics designed to destabilise democracy in the region.
President Sandu stressed that Moldova’s experience defending against Russian interference offers lessons for Europe. Ukraine and Moldova’s collaboration highlights the importance of coordinated measures against cyberattacks, disinformation, and illicit financing linked to Russia. Sandu underscored that Moscow’s ultimate aim is control over Eastern Europe, with potential consequences for wider European security if Russian aggression goes unchecked.
Despite the economic and humanitarian pressures caused by the war, Ukraine and Moldova are taking concrete steps to strengthen energy security and political resilience. Ukraine, for instance, has ended its reliance on Russian gas, with new high-voltage electricity connections becoming operational in January 2026. International partners, including the EU and the UK, continue to support Ukraine and Moldova against Russian influence campaigns and hybrid threats.
