Ukrainian drones launched a series of strikes on energy facilities in regions of southern Ukraine under Russian control, plunging hundreds of thousands into darkness following Sunday’s assault.

Ukrainian authorities describe the offensive as a strategic move to “weaponize winter,” mirroring previous Russian tactics aimed at crippling Ukraine’s power supply. In retaliation, Russia continued its assaults overnight, resulting in two fatalities, according to Ukrainian sources.

The Kremlin-appointed governor of the Zaporizhzhia region reported that over 200,000 homes found themselves without electricity on Sunday due to the strikes.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the situation on Telegram, acknowledging the difficulties in repairing the nation’s power infrastructure. He emphasized, “We are doing everything possible to restore full service swiftly.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the media during a press briefing. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

He also confirmed that two people lost their lives in the night-time attacks, which targeted areas including Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, and Odesa.

In total, more than 1,300 attack drones, 1,050 guided aerial bombs and 29 missiles of various types were used by Russia to strike Ukraine this week, Ukraine says.

Meanwhile, discussions continue between the U.S., Ukraine and Russia in an effort to secure a peace deal. Zelenskyy has consistently argued Russia is not committed to the peace process.

A serviceman of the 148th Separate Artillery Zhytomyr Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, fires a M777 Howitzer towards Russian troops at a position on the front line, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine. (Anatolii Stepanov/Reuters)

“If Russia deliberately delays the diplomatic process, the world’s response should be decisive: more help for Ukraine and more pressure on the aggressor,” Zelenskyy said Sunday.

President Donald Trump argued last week, however, that it was Ukraine, not Russia, holding up a possible peace agreement.

“I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump told Reuters of Putin. “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.”

When he was asked why U.S. intervention had not brought about an end to the war, Trump responded: “Zelenskyy,” Reuters reported.

President Donald Trump is pushing Zelenskyy to accept a peace deal. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)

Trump refused to go into detail on why he believed Zelenskyy was holding back, saying that he believes the Ukrainian president was “having a hard time getting there,” referring to a peace agreement. However, later in the interview, Trump said he would be willing to meet with Zelenskyy at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.