Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine, targeting various cities overnight and resulting in at least seven deaths and multiple injuries. The strikes primarily hit power facilities, leading to extensive damage and power outages across regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism that the war may soon end, contingent on the incoming U.S. administration’s policy approach. He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance for peace, highlighting recent discussions between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Putin that, while deemed positive, did not lead to alignment on key issues.