Russia’s winter assault on Ukraine intensified as a drone struck a playground in Lviv, shattering homes and symbols of identity while cities endured a seventh night of air raid alerts. Missile barrages cut heat and power during freezing temperatures, deepening civilian suffering across Kyiv and beyond. Moscow claimed the strikes were retaliation, even as Ukraine launched a daring counterblow on a major Russian explosives plant in Stavropol. With energy grids under siege and fires lighting up both sides, Russia now boasts fresh territorial gains. The battlefield is widening, and winter has become a weapon.