Kyiv expects more attacks and nuclear plant still under Russian control

SMA NEWS – KYIV
Ukrainian officials have warned that they are expecting to face a new wave of Russian missile strikes in the next few days.

“The coming week could be as difficult as last week,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address on Sunday.

Previous missile strikes on Ukrainian territory have targeted the country’s energy infrastructure, causing massive water and power cuts.

“Our defense forces are preparing, the whole state is preparing,” Zelensky said. ”And as long as they have missiles, they, unfortunately, will not calm down.”

“We are working out all the scenarios, including with Western partners,” he added, calling on Ukrainians to pay attention to anti-aircraft warnings.

Millions of people — including most of the capital Kyiv — were left without power last week as winter temperatures set in.

According to the national operator Ukrenergo, around 27% of households are still facing electricity shortages while emergency power cuts are still in force throughout the country.

The Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has traded barbs with Ukraine’s president over how to help residents withstand power cuts.

Zelensky had noted last week that many in the capital had complained about the city’s measures following Russia’s attacks, but Klitschko said 430 “warming centers” were already helping residents cope and said any dispute was “senseless” amid Russia’s military campaign.

“I do not want to become involved in political battles, particularly in the current situation,” Klitschko said in a video posted on Telegram.

Ukraine’s military said a Russian warship carrying “eight Kalibr-type missiles” has now appeared in the Black Sea.

“It is highly likely that the beginning of the week will be marked by such an attack,” said Natalia Goumeniouk, a spokeswoman for the Ukrainian army’s southern command.
“This indicates that preparations are under way,” she told Ukrainian television on Monday.