Russian drones struck apartment buildings and power infrastructure in the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa overnight, injuring six people, including a toddler and two other children, officials said Wednesday.
Four apartment blocks were damaged, and two energy facilities suffered significant harm, according to regional authorities and the DTEK power provider. The attacks come as Russia has intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy systems ahead of the nearly four-year mark of its invasion in February, aiming to disrupt heat and electricity during winter.
In his New Year’s address, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in eventual victory, praising Russian troops as heroes. Meanwhile, Kyiv denied Russian claims of a recent drone attack on Putin’s residence, calling it a fabricated attempt to distract from ongoing peace talks.
On the diplomatic front, U.S. and European officials held talks to advance Ukraine’s peace process, including security guarantees and reconstruction plans. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said NATO countries have contributed $4.3 billion to a weapons fund supporting his country, with Romania and Croatia joining the effort.