Massive strike on Ukraine: Zelenskyy calls Russian attack disregard for US peace efforts
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
The massive Russian missile and drone strike on the night of January 9, which also involved a medium-range ballistic missile, is a direct demonstration by the Kremlin of its disregard for the United States and for the peace efforts of US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address.
Zelenskyy noted that the Russian attack coincided with a cold snap, as the terror against Ukraine’s energy sector continues. In addition, the strike is an expression of the Kremlin’s disregard for the US.
"The Russians are exploiting the weather – the cold snap – trying to hit as many of our energy facilities as possible. So much for their respect for America and all diplomacy," the president emphasized.
Significant damage
According to Zelenskyy, many regions were hit, and repair and restoration work are currently underway in the affected regions and cities. In some regions, repair crews are working almost continuously.
"Restoration efforts are currently underway in our cities and our communities – in Kyiv and the region, in the Dnipro, Lviv, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, and Odesa regions. Repair crews are almost constantly working in the Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv regions," the president said.
Russia plans to 'shut down' major cities
Zelenskyy specifically addressed Kyiv, which was hit by hundreds of drones and a significant number of ballistic missiles, resulting in four deaths. The president also mentioned Russian strikes on other Ukrainian cities — Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa. According to him, the Russian forces are trying to completely "shut down" these cities.
"It is crucial that every city administration understands this goal of the enemy and prepares for full counteraction, for actual work for the benefit of citizens. The focus should not be on avoiding problems but on solving them, especially when the resources exist to do so – as in Kyiv. It is the best-financed city in Ukraine, and all necessary backup systems must be in place," he summarized.
On the night of January 9, Russia carried out another strike on Ukraine. As a result, 19 high-rise buildings in Kyiv were damaged, 25 people were injured, and four were killed. Infrastructure facilities were also hit, as the Russian forces deliberately targeted district boiler plants.
In addition to the massive strike on the capital, Russia attacked the Lviv region with a medium-range ballistic missile. On the morning of January 9, Russia confirmed the missile launch toward Lviv and referenced a fake story about an alleged "attack on Putin’s residence," using it to justify yet another terrorist strike against Ukraine.
