Moscow: Russia announced on Wednesday that its energy infrastructure had been targeted in a large-scale overnight drone attack, with at least 100 unmanned aerial vehicles striking multiple regions. Meanwhile, Ukraine also reported incoming strikes, as hostilities between the two nations showed no sign of abating.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, a total of 104 drones were intercepted across western Russia, many of them aiming at power and oil facilities. Authorities in Smolensk confirmed that air defence systems had successfully neutralized a drone attempting to strike the region’s nuclear power plant.
Governor Vasily Anokhin stated that the drone was destroyed before reaching its target and that there were no casualties or damage. The Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in northwest Russia, continued operating as usual, state news agency RIA reported.
Elsewhere, a fire was reported at a refinery owned by petrochemical giant Sibur in Nizhny Novgorod, approximately 800 kilometers from Ukraine.
Russia’s air defence systems were reportedly engaged in nine different regions, with Smolensk and Kursk being among the most affected. Kursk, in particular, has seen ongoing clashes with Ukrainian forces occupying nearby villages.
The exchange of drone and missile strikes has become a near-daily occurrence, with energy infrastructure emerging as a primary target amid the harsh winter conditions. Concerns over potential nuclear-related incidents have been raised since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022, although much of the focus has remained on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which sits close to the front lines.
On the Ukrainian side, officials reported that Russian forces launched their own drone attack overnight, triggering air raid warnings across multiple regions. A port in Odesa was reportedly hit, while debris from a destroyed drone was found near a metro station in Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Amid the continued strikes, the possibility of a ceasefire has resurfaced following Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled a willingness to hold peace talks but dismissed the idea of direct negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he referred to as “illegitimate” due to the expiration of his presidential term under martial law.
“If Zelenskyy wants to participate, I will send representatives,” Putin said, insisting that any negotiations must align with Russia’s interests.
Zelenskyy swiftly responded, accusing Putin of obstructing peace efforts. “Putin is afraid of negotiations and strong leaders. He is doing everything to prolong the war,” the Ukrainian leader wrote on X.
Kyiv has warned against any peace talks happening without its direct involvement, expressing concerns that Putin may attempt to manipulate discussions with Trump’s administration.
