Hours after Vladimir Putin wrapped up his marathon year-end press conference, Russia launched a massive missile and drone barrage across Ukraine. Kyiv says the strikes followed a familiar pattern but carried a sharp political signal as peace talks hovered in the background. Ballistic missiles and waves of drones targeted multiple regions, with ports and energy infrastructure again in focus. As emergency crews rushed in and air defences lit up the night sky, Putin’s remarks on responsibility for the war took on new weight, raising fresh questions about escalation and intent.