Russian attacks in Ukraine kill four as U.S. calls it escalation

Russian strikes killed four people in Kharkiv and caused major power outages in Kyiv; the United States described the attacks as an escalation while peace talks are under way.

Russian forces carried out a major overnight drone and missile attack on multiple regions of Ukraine, officials said. One strike in Kharkiv killed four people and wounded others, and Kyiv experienced large power outages during cold weather. Local authorities reported losses of heating and water services in some residential areas and activated emergency measures. The United States publicly criticised the attacks at a United Nations meeting as an escalation while negotiations and diplomatic discussions continue. What is known: - Officials reported a large-scale drone and missile bombardment across several regions of Ukraine. - A strike at a mail depot in Kharkiv was reported to have killed four people and wounded others, and Kyiv faced significant power outages and heating losses during freezing temperatures. - Ukrainian and international officials described damage to civilian energy and utility infrastructure and noted strains on local services. - U.S. representatives at the U.N. called the attacks a dangerous escalation as talks toward a peace agreement are ongoing. Summary: The reported strikes increased civilian harm and disrupted energy and heating services amid cold weather, according to Ukrainian and international officials. International attention has focused on the timing of the attacks as leaders plan diplomatic discussions, including talks at the World Economic Forum next week.