Ukraine responded to renewed Russian strikes on energy infrastructure by upgrading its drone defence systems. Russian attacks have left thousands of homes without heat or power. Kyiv warned citizens to prepare for more blackouts as winter temperatures fell below minus 20 Celsius.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said Russia struck energy targets 217 times this year. Emergency crews worked to restore power to 1,100 buildings in Kyiv alone. Russia targeted power stations, gas pipelines, and electricity networks, affecting civilians and critical infrastructure.
Read more: Ukrainian drone strike kills two in Russia
Russia also adapted drones for longer-range attacks, using Geran UAVs as carriers for smaller drones. Ukrainian forces shot down about 90 percent of long-range drones and thousands of missiles. President Zelenskyy demanded better results and introduced a short-range “small air defence” system using drones to intercept enemy UAVs.
Ukraine has disabled unauthorized Russian Starlink terminals, allowing only verified units to operate. Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov coordinated with Elon Musk to enforce the white list system. This step prevents Russia from remotely redirecting drones via low-orbit satellites.
Read more: Ukraine drone strike hits Rostov-on-Don industrial site
Meanwhile, Ukraine urged the US to impose sanctions on Russian oil buyers. The government hopes economic pressure will further weaken Moscow. Peace talks in Abu Dhabi recently exchanged prisoners of war but produced no major ceasefire or territorial agreements.