Russia unleashed dozens of missile strikes on Ukraine on Friday, killing at least three people, further damaging the invaded nation’s tattered power grid and cutting heat for millions.
The rocket onslaught, reported to include 72 cruise missiles and four guided missiles, came as President Vladimir Putin works to reshape the terms of his flagging invasion by pulverizing Ukraine’s critical infrastructure before Christmas.
Advertisement
Ukrainian State Emergency Service firefighters work to extinguish a fire at the building which was destroyed by a Russian attack in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)
The Russian Army, routed in Ukraine’s north and sections of its south, has regrouped in the east and hunkered down for winter. With battle lines hardened, Russia has deployed several rounds of intense aerial strikes, weaponizing winter and making everyday life challenging for Ukraine’s shivering but resilient citizens.
Putin appears hopeful that the conditions will push Ukrainians to flee their frigid country, or to pressure their leaders to consider negotiations with the Kremlin. The bloody invasion has spilled nearly 8 million refugees out of Ukraine, according to the UN.
Advertisement
But the embattled country has held a stiff upper lip since Russia invaded Feb. 24, and its president appealed Friday for further fortitude.
“I ask all our people to be patient,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a speech to his country. “No matter what the missile worshippers from Moscow are hoping for, it still won’t change the balance of power in this war.”
The latest wave of rockets marked one of Russia’s largest in the nine-month-old war and led to broad emergency blackouts, as harsh winds blew gusts of snow and freezing rain across Ukraine.
The Ukrainian government said its anti-aircraft defenses stopped 60 of 76 Russian missiles.
But some rockets connected, and one battered an apartment building in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih. The attack killed three people and wounded more than 10, including three small children, according to Ukrainian authorities.
“Probably, as a result of this war, the meaning of the word ‘terror’ for most people in the world will be associated primarily with such crazy actions of Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
In Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, the subway screeched to a halt and stations became bomb shelters — a recurring image throughout this fall. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said water taps in every area of the city were experiencing disruptions.
“Experts are working to stabilize the system. Just in case, prepare a supply of water for drinking and domestic purposes,” Klitschko urged citizens in a post on Telegram.
Advertisement
Most of Kyiv was without electricity, heat and water, the mayor said. Officials were working to get heat and water running by morning, Klitschko added.
Nationwide, the strikes sapped more than half of the country’s power capacity, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.
People rest in the subway station, being used as a bomb shelter during a rocket attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)
Ukraine’s electrical and heating systems are closely intertwined, and have been crippled since Russia opened a new front in the war in October, raining strikes on infrastructure across the country.
[ Oct. 10: Russia rains missiles on Ukraine’s largest cities as Putin widens war ]
The attacks have forced hospital workers to conduct procedures by flashlight and sent civilians into the subway to juice their phones at charging stations.
Zelenskyy said Russia’s bombardment Friday was largely focused on energy and heating sources. Engineers were rushing to restore outages that touched more than a dozen regions, the president said.
“It takes time,” Zelenskyy said.
Advertisement
Breaking News As it happens Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. >
Nine power facilities were damaged by the assault, according to Ukrinform, a state news agency.
A woman walks with a flashlight during a power outage in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. (Felipe Dana/AP)
Ukraine’s national energy provider, NPC Ukrenergo, said priority in its repairs would go to medical centers and heating facilities.
The U.S. chastised Russia over the air attacks, and promised continued support for Ukraine. The State Department said America was pushing $140 million toward restoring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Uzra Zeya, the State Department’s under secretary for civilian security, said in a news briefing that Russia’s missile strikes were “desperate attempts to drive refugees into neighboring countries” and to “break Ukrainians’ awe-inspiring resilience.”
“As the harshness of winter descends, millions of Ukrainians have been without power, water or heat because of Russia’s unrelenting attacks,” Zeya said. “We know the international community’s support is unwavering and that these assaults will not break our collective resolve.”
A first batch of American repair equipment has arrived in Ukraine, said Bridget Brink, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. She said she was grateful that Ukraine’s air defense capabilities had spared Ukraine an even more devastating Friday.
Advertisement
“Even as Russia tries to bring this war into every home,” Brink tweeted, “unified U.S. support and close coordination with our Ukrainian partners will help stabilize the grid and keep the power on across the country.”
Russian missile strikes on Ukraine cut heat for millions
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer