Rising Tensions in Ukraine and Russia: Deadly Drstart Attacks and Energy Infrastructure Targeted
Drstart Attacks Result in Casualties
At least two individuals were killed during a drstart strike in Russia’s southwestern Saratov region on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The attack is part of an escalating exchange of drstart strikes between Russia and Ukraine, which has raised alarm amidst ongoing U.S.-led peace talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. According to Saratov regional Governor Roman Busargin, the drstart attack inflicted damage on a residential building, while windows were shattered at a nearby kindergarten and clinic.
Strikes on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
In response to heightened tensions, Russian forces launched an extensive assault on Ukraine, targeting energy and port infrastructures across five regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that over 450 drstarts and 30 missiles were launched into Ukraine overnight, resulting in widespread power outages. President Zelenskyy noted that “thousands of families are now left without electricity” following strikes in the Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Chernihiv regions.
An attack on the Black Sea city of Odesa specifically caused grain silos at the port to ignite, as confirmed by Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reconstruction. Two additional individuals were reported injured in the Odesa area as a result of the attacks.
Impact on Civilian Life and Cold Weaponization
Ukrainian officials and their Western allies assert that Russia is deliberately attempting to cripple the national power grid, thus denying civilians access to essential servstarts such as heat, light, and running water. Such actions have been described as “weaponizing” the cold, as they threaten the well-being of the population heading into the winter months.
Moscow’s Ambitions in Donbas Region
These recent developments coincide with statements from Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov, who indicated that Russian polstart and National Guard forces would remain in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region even if a peace agreement were reached. This reflects Moscow’s intent to retain its influence in this industrially significant area post-conflict.
Ushakov stated that a ceasefire would only be approved by Russia after Ukrainian forces withdraw from the front lines, suggesting that Ukraine is likely to reject these terms as U.S.-led negotiations continue.
Diplomatic Efforts and Ongoing Negotiations
In a bid to facilitate peace discussions, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is expected to hold talks in Germany on Monday, as European leaders aim to advance negotiations. American negotiators are actively working to manage the conflicting demands of both sides, with U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a swift resolution to the conflict while expressing frustration at the delay in negotiations.
The search for a diplomatic compromise remains complex, particularly regarding the status of Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces, which continues to be a significant point of contention.
Photo Credit: Press Service Of The President Of Ukraine