• The Kremlin praised U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s stance against Ukraine using American weaponry, following Russia's large-scale missile attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
• Russia launched one of its most extensive assaults in response to Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles, causing widespread power outages and damage in freezing conditions.
• Ukrainian officials condemned the attacks as efforts to demoralize civilians while urging increased Western support and sanctions against Russia.

The Kremlin revealed on Friday that it approves U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's stance against Ukraine using U.S. weaponry to strike Russia. This came shortly after Moscow carried out a significant aerial assault on Ukraine. This development intensifies the nearly three-year-long conflict as both parties strengthen their battlefield positions before Trump's inauguration in January. Amid growing rumors of potential ceasefire negotiations, Russia launched one of its most extensive missile attacks early Friday morning, targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure as temperatures dropped below freezing. Moscow described this attack as retaliation for Kyiv's earlier use of ATACMS missiles against a southern Russian air base.

Kremlin Praises Trump’s Remarks

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov praised Trump's statements, aligning them with Moscow's perspective on escalating tensions. "Trump's insight into what exacerbates the situation is impressive and aligns perfectly with our view," Peskov said. Moscow frequently criticizes Western arms support to Ukraine, claiming it directly implicates NATO in the conflict.

Russia’s Assault on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure

In response to Ukraine’s use of American long-range weaponry, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine's fuel and energy sector. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the assault caused significant damage to Ukrainian power stations, leading to widespread power outages that impacted thousands, according to DTEK.

Ukraine Reports Missile and Drone Attacks

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia fired 94 missiles, including cruise and ballistic types, and deployed nearly 200 drones during the assault. Ukrainian defenses intercepted 81 missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling it proof of Moscow's lack of interest in peace negotiations. Zelenskyy urged Western leaders to increase their support, particularly in air defense systems and sanctions on Russia.

Several of DTEK’s thermal power facilities sustained heavy damage in the attacks, though officials have not disclosed exact figures. Explosions damaged infrastructure in multiple regions, including Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine. The Ternopil region also endured widespread power outages.

DTEK Responds Amid Harsh Conditions

DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko criticized the timing of the attacks, which coincided with plummeting temperatures. He called the strikes a "cynical terrorist act" designed to demoralize Ukrainians. Energy workers are currently repairing the damage, but pre-existing outages have forced new electric supply restrictions.

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Ukrainian officials view these attacks as deliberate attempts to weaken civilian morale. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga urged measures to strip Russia of its "terror capabilities" rather than allowing energy deprivation to continue.

Trump’s Comments and Western Support for Ukraine

Despite raising concerns with his statements suggesting a resolution favoring Russia, Trump clarified in a Time Magazine interview that he would not abandon Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Biden administration continues to enhance its support for Kyiv as Western leaders discuss potential peacekeeping operations.

Western Peacekeeping Proposals Face Moscow’s Resistance

During talks in Warsaw, French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk proposed deploying foreign troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire takes place. However, Moscow strongly opposes this idea.

Kremlin spokesperson Peskov reiterated that Moscow aims for peace only under its terms. "We seek peace once our conditions are satisfied and objectives achieved," he stated, emphasizing that current negotiation prerequisites have not been met.

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