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A devastating missile and drone assault by Russian forces on Kyiv has resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to 37 others, while disrupting power to the western half of the city, leaving over half a million residents without power.

Large-Scale Assault Underscores Ukraine's Need for International Aid

Close to 600 unmanned aircraft and over three dozen missiles were launched at Ukraine in an offensive that Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated highlighted the critical requirement for western assistance with air defence, along with economic and diplomatic backing.

"We must act without losing a single day to guarantee that there are enough missiles for our air defence systems, and that all required measures for our defense and for deterring Russia is in place," the Ukrainian president said.

Casualties and Strike Phases Reported

Authorities confirmed that a third person was fatally injured in the surrounding Kyiv region, with multiple phases of strikes audible across the city. The initial wave began at about 1am, followed by a second phase at early morning, before an all-clear was given at nearly 9.30am.

Kyiv's Counter Attack on Moscow's Oil Refinery

Ukraine's military stated that it had struck the Afipsky oil refinery in southern Russia, one of the largest in the area, igniting a blaze at the location. This facility supplies diesel and jet fuel to Russian forces fighting in the conflict.

Strategic Campaign to Weaken Ukraine's Defenses

Moscow is pursuing a campaign to break Ukraine's public morale this cold season by attacking its power grid as the war heads towards its third anniversary. These attacks coincide with a wave of key Ukrainian officials being involved in a graft controversy.

Political Upheaval and Resignations

Recently, Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's key assistant, was compelled to step down after his apartment was inspected by anti-corruption officials looking into a bribery operation. Two other ministers have previously been dismissed, and the alleged architect of the plan, an longtime associate of the president, has left the nation.

The Ukrainian leader stated that he would restructure the office of the president—previously managed by Yermak as a gatekeeper to the leader—amid rumors about potential successors or how it could be reorganized.

Appeals for Fresh Management and Diplomatic Issues

An lawmaker from the opposition urged the president to appoint Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, to a key role. Liudmyla Buimister wrote in a online message that "an individual respected by the military, citizens and international partners is precisely what is required at this time."

Zaluzhnyi has been considered a potential political challenger to Zelenskyy, though associates of the ambassador suggested they were unsure he would consent if asked.

Talks and International Situations

The former chief of staff allegedly told the press that he was "heading to the battlefield" and was "ready for any consequences," though it was unclear how he might contribute to the armed forces. He added in a text message, "I consider myself an honest and decent individual."

He headed Ukraine's negotiating team over the past fortnight as Ukraine responded to a Moscow-friendly 28-point plan issued by the U.S. administration. It demanded that the nation leave a contested region and agree to a broad pardon, and that the international community remove sanctions against Russia.

Talks paused this week during the American celebration, but are anticipated to resume soon. A Ukrainian delegation led by a security official, secretary of the country’s national security council, has traveled to the U.S. capital, Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine has submitted a 19-point counter proposal, which has been provided to Russian authorities. In the coming days, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit in the Moscow, though few expect a significant progress, since recently the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, described the government in Kyiv as invalid.

Compromised Position and Economic Challenges

Ukraine's standing is weakened by the graft controversy, clearly the most serious domestic political crisis of the current administration, while Moscow hopes that its ongoing strikes and a possible economic downturn for the country will wear it down.

The nation is anticipating that EU leaders will agree a €140bn loan backed by frozen Moscow funds to shore up its finances from next year, but opposition from Belgium, where most of the money is held, has dimmed hopes of securing a deal by the end of the year.