Russia targets Kyiv and eastern cities
Russia has launched its “most powerful blow” against Ukraine’s energy sector this year, hitting power plants and infrastructure in Kyiv and multiple locations, according to private energy company DTEK.
The strikes forced the electricity system to operate under “serious restrictions,” cutting heating to more than 1,000 tower blocks in Kyiv during temperatures as low as -20C (-4F). Russian attacks also destroyed a power plant in Kharkiv beyond repair.
Zelensky calls for maximum pressure on Moscow
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, saying Russia chose “terror and escalation” over diplomacy. He urged Ukraine’s allies to maintain maximum pressure on Moscow.
The attacks came after a so-called “energy truce” agreed by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin expired at the weekend. Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Kyiv on the same day to meet Zelensky and address parliament.
Russia clearly ignored diplomatic efforts. Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine are due to meet in Abu Dhabi later this week, coordinated by the US.
Air raid forces residents to shelter
Explosions began in Kyiv soon after midnight and lasted more than seven hours, followed by several subsequent blasts. Residents took refuge in metro stations, with some pitching tents on platforms to stay warm.
President Zelensky said Russia fired more than 70 ballistic and cruise missiles, along with 450 drones to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defences. The Ukrainian Air Force intercepted only 38 missiles, allowing many to hit their targets.
Officials warned that Ukraine faces a shortage of defensive missiles and relies heavily on US-made Patriot systems. Zelensky wrote on X: “Timely delivery of missiles for air defence systems and the protection of normal life are our priority. Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war.”
Repeated strikes hit civilian infrastructure
DTEK confirmed that Russian attacks hit two of its power plants again overnight, including in Odesa, marking the ninth major strike on the sector since October. State-run facilities in Kyiv, Dnipro, and other cities also suffered damage.
Some targeted plants provide heating only, serving civilians. These attacks violate the Geneva Convention, which forbids targeting civilian infrastructure. Repeated strikes make repairs harder, leaving the energy system fragile and prone to blackouts.
Engineers work through freezing nights
Teams of engineers have worked overnight for weeks to restore power, coming from across the country. Despite their efforts, Ukraine does not have enough workers to meet demand. Residents in many areas have gone days or even weeks without heating, relying on hats, coats, blankets, and soup kitchens to stay warm.
Attacks aim to pressure civilians
Many Ukrainians believe Russia wants to turn citizens against Kyiv, hoping to force compliance over disputed territory in eastern Donbas. Residents, however, remain defiant.
“Russia won’t get what it wants,” said Vera, a Kyiv resident queuing for a volunteer-served meal. “We are stronger than them in any case.” President Zelensky said he would temporarily sleep in a local school with a generator to stay warm.
Damage and injuries reported
Russian strikes damaged several residential buildings and caused fires from falling debris, even as Ukraine intercepted missiles and drones. Several people sustained injuries, underscoring the human toll of the attacks.
Source: BBC
Also read: Zelensky declares ready to meet with Putin
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