Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a grave accusation on Thursday, stating that Russia is deliberately carrying the ongoing war "into the New Year" with a massive overnight drone assault. The attack, which involved more than two hundred attack drones, primarily targeted Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure, according to Zelenskyy's social media statement.
Massive Drone Barrage Targets Energy Grid
The Ukrainian leader's allegations highlight a significant escalation in tactics as the conflict approaches its fourth year. The primary objective of the drone swarm was to cripple Ukraine's energy infrastructure, a strategy Russia has employed repeatedly to disrupt civilian life and industrial capacity during the winter months. This large-scale attack underscores Moscow's continued commitment to a war of attrition, despite the changing calendar.
Putin's Directive for a Wider 'Buffer Zone'
In a related development, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov revealed that President Vladimir Putin has issued orders to expand a so-called "buffer zone" along the border. This directive, reported by Russian state media agency RIA on Wednesday, specifically concerns Ukraine's northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Gerasimov stated that the goal is to push Ukrainian troops and weaponry farther from Russian territory, citing incidents of shelling in Russian border areas like Belgorod and Kursk.
During a visit to the front, Gerasimov inspected the "North" troop grouping, a formation established in early 2024. This military group has been actively operating in northeastern Ukraine with the declared aim of creating a security belt by forcing Ukrainian forces back from the border. Russian officials claim this force is currently working to gain ground in Sumy and Kharkiv while preparing for potential future advances deeper into Ukrainian territory.
Kyiv's Firm Rejection and Accusations
Ukraine has vehemently rejected Moscow's buffer zone plan, interpreting it as a thinly veiled pretext for further territorial conquest. President Zelenskyy has previously labeled Russia's ambitions in Sumy and Kharkiv as "mad," vowing that Ukraine will continue to defend these regions vigorously. There was no immediate official Ukrainian response to Gerasimov's latest comments regarding the expansion order.
This military announcement followed closely on the heels of another tense episode. Days earlier, Moscow vowed retaliation for what it claimed was an attempt to attack Putin's residence, though it provided no evidence for the allegation. Ukraine swiftly denied any involvement, suggesting the claim was fabricated to undermine diplomatic peace efforts as the prolonged war continues with no clear end in sight. The situation remains highly volatile, with the massive drone strike and the buffer zone expansion plan signaling a potentially intensified phase of conflict in the new year.
