Kyiv Works to Restore Power Amid Russian Strikes; UN Security Council to Convene

Engineers in Kyiv are working to stabilize the city's power grid following recent Russian missile and drone attacks that have left many residents without electricity, heating, and water amid freezing temperatures. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko acknowledged the challenges, noting the grid's significant damage and increased use of electric heaters due to the cold.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss Russia's latest large-scale attack on Ukraine, which involved an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile. Sybiha stated that the meeting will address Russia's breaches of the UN Charter.

UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that recent Russian attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties and deprived millions of Ukrainians of essential services, including electricity, heating, and water, during a time of acute humanitarian need.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, has been in communication with U.S. representatives as both nations seek to establish a framework to end the conflict. Zelenskyy emphasized the ongoing daily communication with the American side.

In Russia, the governor of the Belgorod region reported that 600,000 residents were without electricity, heating, and water following a Ukrainian missile strike. Efforts to restore services are underway, though the situation remains challenging.

Additionally, a Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire at the Zhutovskaya oil depot in Russia's Volgograd region, which supplies fuel to Russian forces. The extent of the damage is currently being assessed.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces have targeted Ukrainian energy facilities and fuel-storage depots using aviation, drones, missiles, and artillery, though specific targets and damage were not immediately detailed.