🔗 Share this article Moscow's Assault on the Ukrainian Capital Leaves Fatalities, Electricity Cutoff for Half of the City A devastating missile and drone strike from Moscow on the capital of Ukraine has led to the deaths of two people and injuries to 37 more, while cutting off electricity to the western part of the city, stranding at least 500,000 inhabitants in the dark. Large-Scale Attack Highlights Ukraine's Need for International Support Close to 600 unmanned aircraft and 36 rockets were launched at Ukraine in an attack that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized highlighted the critical requirement for western assistance with air defence, along with financial and political aid. "It is essential that we act without losing a moment to guarantee that there are enough missiles for our air defence systems, and that all required measures for our protection and for pressure on Russia is in place," the Ukrainian president said. Casualties and Strike Phases Reported Authorities reported that a third person was fatally injured in the areas around the capital, with two waves of attacks heard across the city. The initial wave started at about 1am, followed by a subsequent one at approximately 7am, before an all-clear was issued at nearly 9.30am. Ukrainian Counter Strike on Russian Fuel Facility The armed forces of Ukraine stated that it had targeted the Afipsky fuel plant in southern Russia, one of the largest in the region, igniting a fire at the location. This plant supplies fuel for aircraft and vehicles to Moscow's troops engaged in Ukraine. Tactical Campaign to Weaken Ukraine's Resistance Moscow is engaged in a campaign to break the country's public morale this winter by targeting its energy infrastructure as the war approaches its third anniversary. These attacks coincide with a wave of prominent officials being involved in a graft controversy. Political Upheaval and Departures In recent developments, Andriy Yermak, Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy's key assistant, was compelled to step down after his apartment was searched by graft investigators probing a kickback scheme. Two other ministers have previously been dismissed, and the supposed mastermind of the plan, an longtime associate of Zelenskyy, has left the nation. The Ukrainian leader announced that he would restructure the office of the president—which Yermak ran as a primary access point to the leader—amidst speculation about potential successors or how it could be reorganized. Appeals for New Leadership and Political Challenges An lawmaker from the opposition called for the president to appoint a former military chief, Ukraine's representative in Britain, to a key role. Liudmyla Buimister expressed in a online message that "a man respected by the armed forces, the public and global allies is exactly what we need now." The ambassador has been considered a potential rival to the president, though associates of the diplomat suggested they were unsure he would consent if offered the role. Talks and Global Situations Yermak allegedly told the press that he was "going to the front" and was "ready for any consequences," though it was ambiguous how he might contribute to the military. He added in a written communication, "I am an honest and decent individual." He led the delegation over the past fortnight as Ukraine responded to a Moscow-friendly 28-point plan issued by the White House. It demanded that Ukraine leave Donetsk province and accept a general amnesty, and that the international community remove restrictions against Russia. Talks stalled this week during the US Thanksgiving holiday, but are anticipated to resume shortly. A Ukrainian delegation headed by Rustem Umerov, secretary of the country’s national security council, has set out for Washington, Zelenskyy said. Ukraine has submitted a counteroffer with multiple points, which has been shared with Moscow. In the coming days, Trump’s special envoy the diplomat is due to arrive in the Moscow, though little anticipation exists for a breakthrough, since recently the Moscow's leader, the Kremlin head, described the Ukrainian leadership as illegitimate. Weakened Situation and Financial Struggles Kyiv's position is undermined by the corruption scandal, clearly the most serious domestic political crisis of the current administration, while Moscow aims that its ongoing strikes and a possible economic downturn for Ukraine will weaken its resolve. Ukraine is hoping that European Union officials will agree a large financial loan secured against Russian central bank assets to stabilize its budget from next year, but opposition from Belgium, where the majority of funds is held, has dimmed hopes of securing a deal by the end of the year.