Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities faced a barrage of Russian strikes overnight, as Moscow retaliated for what it claims were Ukrainian attacks on its territory. The attacks, utilizing drones and missiles including hypersonic weapons, have left hundreds of thousands without power and sparked a new inquiry into alleged corruption within Ukraine’s parliament [[1]]. This comes as diplomatic efforts continue,with a planned video call between Ukrainian president Zelensky and European leaders excluding the participation of Donald Trump [[2]],and as concerns grow regarding potential escalation and spillover effects for neighboring countries like Poland [[3]].
Corruption Investigation Launched in Kyiv, Targeting Parliament Members
Table of Contents
- Corruption Investigation Launched in Kyiv, Targeting Parliament Members
- Moscow Claims Control of Kupiansk Amid Ongoing Fighting
- Ukrainian Interior Minister Urges Kyiv Residents to Remain in Shelters
- Russia Says Kyiv Strikes Were Retaliation Against Ukrainian Military Targets
- EU-Zelensky Video Call Will Not Include Trump
- Zelensky Accuses Russia of Not Seeking End to War, Calls for Increased Support
- Kyiv Attack Death Toll Rises to One, 22 Injured
- Over 300,000 People Without Power in Kyiv Following Russian Bombardment
- Poland Scrambles Jets, Closes Airports in Response to Russian Attacks on Kyiv
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency, the Nabu, has announced a new investigation into alleged corruption involving current members of parliament in Kiev. The probe comes as Ukraine continues to navigate significant challenges related to governance and transparency amid the ongoing conflict. Officials from the Nabu attempted to conduct searches within the Parliament building but were reportedly blocked by security services. “Nabu and Sapo, following an undercover operation, uncovered an organized criminal group that includes several current members of parliament,” the Nabu stated. “Employees of the State Security Department are obstructing Nabu agents during investigative actions” within Parliament, the agency added.
Moscow Claims Control of Kupiansk Amid Ongoing Fighting
The Russian Ministry of Defense asserts that the city of Kupiansk is under the control of the 6th Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District. The claim comes as both Moscow and Kyiv continue to contest control of the strategically important city in the Kharkiv region. According to the Tass news agency, a commander identified by the call sign Uranus stated, “We are firmly maintaining, have maintained, and will continue to maintain our positions in the city.” Another commander, Colossus, reported no Ukrainian forces near the Kupiansk milk production facility, while Granit confirmed his unit was successfully completing assigned tasks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the city approximately two weeks ago, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to dismiss the visit, calling Zelensky an “actor” and claiming his location was one kilometer from the settlement.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Urges Kyiv Residents to Remain in Shelters
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has appealed to residents of Kyiv to “not leave shelters until the curfew is lifted,” fearing that the overnight attack – described this morning as “still ongoing” – has not fully subsided. As of now, the attack has resulted in one confirmed death and over 20 injuries, according to Klymenko, with rescue workers continuing to extract people from the rubble of more than ten damaged residential buildings across the capital. “I am visiting the sites where damage has been recorded. I am in constant contact with unit leaders and receiving updates from all areas where teams are working,” Klymenko said, as reported by SkyNews.
Russia Says Kyiv Strikes Were Retaliation Against Ukrainian Military Targets
The Russian military conducted “a massive retaliatory strike against Ukrainian military enterprises.” This statement was released by the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the recent raids on Kyiv. “In response to terrorist attacks against civilian targets, a massive strike was carried out last night with long-range precision weapons from land, air, and sea, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, as well as drones, against targets of energy infrastructure used to support the Ukrainian armed forces and against enterprises of Ukraine’s military-industrial complex,” the ministry stated. According to the ministry, “all designated targets were hit.”
EU-Zelensky Video Call Will Not Include Trump
An upcoming video call between Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders will not include the participation of Donald Trump. This clarification was provided by a spokesperson for the European Commission following an earlier announcement.
Zelensky Accuses Russia of Not Seeking End to War, Calls for Increased Support
“Russian representatives participate in lengthy talks, but in reality, it is Kinzhal missiles and ‘Shaheds’ that speak for them. This is the true attitude of Putin and his inner circle. They do not want to end the war and are trying to take every opportunity to cause Ukraine even more suffering,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X, commenting on the recent Russian strikes. “Since last night, nearly 500 drones – a large number of ‘Shaheds’ – and 40 missiles, including Kinzhals, have been launched. The main target is Kyiv: energy facilities and civilian infrastructure,” Zelensky added.
“In recent days, many questions have been raised: where is Russia’s response to the proposals put forward by the United States and the international community to end the war?” Zelensky asked rhetorically, stating that the Russian response is the attacks on Ukraine. This, he explained, means that “the pressure is still insufficient.” “If Russia turns even the Christmas and New Year period into a time of destroyed homes and burned apartments, of ruined power plants, then this sick activity can only be responded to with truly strong measures,” Zelensky warned, indicating that the United States and Europe “have this capability,” “the key is to use it.” Zelensky then renewed his call to “support Ukraine’s defense” because “air defense supplies must be sufficient and timely, especially now that we need them most.” “We will not reduce our diplomatic efforts,” he concluded, “but diplomacy will not work without security.”
Kyiv Attack Death Toll Rises to One, 22 Injured
The number of people injured in the overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv has risen to at least 22, officials said. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced the updated figures on Telegram, adding that two of the injured are children.
Over 300,000 People Without Power in Kyiv Following Russian Bombardment
A Russian bombardment with drones and missiles on Kyiv and its suburbs has left one person dead and hundreds of thousands without heating and electricity. The air raid alert lasted for several hours following the intense overnight explosions. The attack killed a 47-year-old woman, according to Kyiv region Governor Mykola Kalashnyk. “There are already 19 people affected in the capital. Eleven people have been hospitalized,” said Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The mayor added that 2,600 residential buildings, as well as hundreds of kindergartens, schools, and social facilities, are without heating. “Since this morning, part of the left bank of the region remains without electricity. Currently, more than 320,000 consumers are without power,” Kalashnyk added.
Poland Scrambles Jets, Closes Airports in Response to Russian Attacks on Kyiv
Poland has scrambled its fighter jets and temporarily closed two airports in response to Russian attacks against Ukraine overnight. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency issued a brief statement confirming the closure of two airports, Rzeszow and Lublin, according to Sky News. The move reflects growing concerns about the potential for escalation and spillover effects from the conflict in Ukraine.
