Russia Attack Ukraine Energy Grid, Leaving Millions Without Power in Freezing Cold

Russia launched another major attack on Ukraine’s energy system overnight. Explosions shook Kyiv through Saturday morning. The strikes left about 1.2 million homes without electricity during extreme winter cold. Temperatures dropped to -10°C (14°F).

Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said more than 3,200 buildings in Kyiv still had no heating late in the evening. Earlier that day, the number stood at around 6,000.

Crews Rush to Restore Heat and Electricity

More than 160 emergency crews worked across Kyiv to restore heating. Other teams operated in western and southern regions that also suffered damage.

Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said 800,000 households in Kyiv remained without power. Another 400,000 homes in Chernihiv region also lacked electricity. He warned that ongoing Russian attacks continued to block stabilisation efforts.

Many residents already lived in freezing apartments after earlier strikes damaged Kyiv’s central heating system.

Strikes Continue During Peace Talks

The attacks came as U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine entered a second day in the United Arab Emirates. The meetings ended without progress. Officials planned further talks for next weekend.

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said Russia hit Kyiv and four regions in the north and east. She said authorities were repairing power plants, increasing imports, and adding new energy capacity.

Deaths, Injuries, and Urban Damage

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that one person died in the capital. Four others suffered injuries, and doctors hospitalised three of them. In Kharkiv, more than 30 people were hurt, including a child.

Klitschko visited Troyeshchyna, a northeastern district of Kyiv. Around 600 buildings there lost power, water, and heating. City services provided hot food and medicine to vulnerable residents. Officials also opened more heated shelters that operate day and night.

Kyiv recently relaxed its wartime curfew. The change allows residents to seek warmth overnight in public buildings and heated tents.

Winter Brings Heaviest Energy Attacks

Russia has targeted Ukraine’s power grid since November 2022. This winter marks the most intense campaign so far. Many Ukrainians now receive electricity for only a few hours a day. Some homes have no heat or running water.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 375 drones and 21 missiles overnight. The attack included two Tsirkon ballistic missiles, which Russia rarely uses.

Kyiv’s Air Defences Respond

Bright flashes lit up the sky over Kyiv as air defences fired at incoming drones and missiles. Loud explosions echoed between high-rise buildings.

Kyiv military chief Tymur Tkachenko reported strikes in four districts. The attacks damaged several buildings, including a medical facility.

Kharkiv Hit Near the Border

Kharkiv lies just 30 kilometres from the Russian border and faces frequent attacks. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 25 drones struck the city overnight.

The drones hit a dormitory for displaced people and two medical facilities, including a maternity hospital, he wrote on Telegram.