Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia carried out a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine overnight, targeting Kyiv and surrounding regions with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, causing damage to civilian infrastructure and energy facilities.

In a statement published on X on Saturday, Zelenskyy said that since the previous night Russia had launched nearly 500 drones, including a large number of Iranian-made Shahed drones, along with around 40 missiles, among them Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. He said the primary target of the assault was the capital, Kyiv.

According to Zelenskyy, the attacks struck energy infrastructure and civilian sites, damaging residential buildings. He said rescue teams are searching for at least one person believed to be trapped under the rubble of a damaged apartment building. In several districts of Kyiv and the surrounding region, electricity and heating supplies have been cut, while firefighters continue to battle blazes sparked by the strikes.

Zelenskyy said repair crews have already begun work at some energy facilities, while at others personnel remain in shelters due to ongoing air raid alerts. He added that rescuers and technicians will begin repairs as soon as the alerts are lifted.

Commenting on recent diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy said Russia’s response to international proposals aimed at ending the war has been demonstrated not through negotiations, but through continued attacks. He said that while Russian officials engage in lengthy talks, Moscow’s real position is reflected in missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities.

“This is the true attitude of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and his inner circle,” Zelenskyy said, accusing Russia of having no intention to end the war and instead seeking to increase suffering in Ukraine and pressure the international community.

He warned that turning the Christmas and New Year period into a time of destruction, power outages, and ruined homes requires a stronger response from Ukraine’s partners. Zelenskyy said the United States, Europe, and other allies have the capacity to take decisive action, stressing that the key issue is the willingness to use that leverage.

The Ukrainian president also emphasized the urgent need for continued and timely military support, particularly air defense systems, to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. He warned that any delays in providing air defense supplies could cost lives.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine would continue its diplomatic efforts but stressed that diplomacy alone cannot succeed without security guarantees. He added that security must be ensured by the world’s strongest powers, noting that he would discuss these issues with European leaders, the Prime Minister of Canada, and the President of the United States in the coming days.

Zelenskyy concluded by thanking countries and leaders supporting Ukraine, saying their assistance is critical as the country faces continued Russian attacks. (ILKHA)