### Russia Launches Major Missile Offensive on Ukraine Post U.S. Diplomatic Move

Amid rising tensions, Russia has launched an extensive missile attack on Ukraine, severely impacting the nation's power grid and resulting in widespread power outages. The aggressive strike came mere hours after President-elect Donald Trump appointed a new special envoy focused on resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine's military reported that the Thursday morning offensive included a total of 199 missiles and drones. The primary target appeared to be the energy infrastructure located in western Ukraine. Local officials have confirmed that the assault led to power cuts affecting at least 1 million people.

The timing of this attack, following closely on the heels of a significant diplomatic nomination in the United States, underscores the volatile nature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It emphasizes the challenges facing any diplomatic resolution, particularly considering the current scale and intensity of hostilities.

As both countries brace for potential escalations, international observers watch closely to see how these developments will impact the broader geopolitical landscape. The immediate repercussions for the civilians in Ukraine, left in darkness amid an already difficult winter, are profound, adding another layer of urgency to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.