Russian Drone Strike Kills 2 as Ukraine Faces Power Outages

At least two people were killed in a drone attack in Russia’s Saratov region, while parts of Ukraine were left without electricity following targeted strikes on energy infrastructure as US-led peace talks continue.

In Saratov, the attack damaged a residential building, blowing out windows at a kindergarten and clinic, according to regional governor Roman Busargin, The Caspian Post reports via foreign media.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said it shot down 41 Ukrainian drones.

In Ukraine, Russian missile and drone strikes hit five regions, targeting energy and port facilities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported over 450 drones and 30 missiles were launched, leaving thousands of families without electricity in Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Chernihiv regions.

In Odesa, a port attack caused grain silos to catch fire, while two people were injured in the broader region, Ukrainian officials said. Kyiv and Western allies accuse Russia of weaponizing the cold by targeting infrastructure to disrupt civilian life for the fourth winter in a row.

The attacks followed remarks from Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov, who said Russian forces would remain in Donbas even if a peace deal is reached, highlighting Moscow’s post-war ambitions. Meanwhile, Germany will host Zelenskyy for talks as international efforts continue seeking a settlement.

US negotiators face hurdles over the status of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, complicating progress toward a potential ceasefire.