Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, damaging facilities in nine regions and prompting nationwide power cuts. President Vladimir Putin called the strikes a direct response to Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles on Russian territory. 'This is a necessary measure,' Putin stated at a security summit in Kazakhstan, framing the move as retaliation for what he called Kyiv’s 'provocations.'
Missile for Missile
The escalation began after Ukraine fired ATACMS missiles into western Russia on November 19, marking the first such attack. Russia retaliated days later with its new Oreshnik intermediate-range missile, striking Dnipro. Putin warned that future strikes could target 'decision-making centers' in Kyiv, though Ukrainian government buildings remain untouched after 33 months of war.
Zelenskyy: 'Putin Wants War to Drag On'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of using the Oreshnik missile's 'uninterceptable' hype to derail peace efforts. 'He wants to escalate so that even President Trump’s future attempts to end this war fail,' Zelenskyy said, referencing recent coordination with NATO and European leaders to counter Russia’s moves.
Western Weapons Deepen Tensions
Putin condemned the U.S. and U.K. for permitting Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia using Western missiles, calling it proof of NATO’s 'direct involvement' in the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues lobbying allies for advanced air defenses as the energy grid buckles under repeated attacks.
'This is a necessary measure,' Putin stated at a security summit in Kazakhstan, framing the move as retaliation for what he called Kyiv’s 'provocations.'
'He wants to escalate so that even President Trump’s future attempts to end this war fail,' Zelenskyy said, referencing recent coordination with NATO and European leaders to counter Russia’s moves.
