Massive Overnight Attack Targets Power and Heating Infrastructure
Russia launched a large-scale air assault on Ukraine early Saturday. The strikes focused heavily on energy infrastructure. Explosions echoed across Kyiv throughout the night. Air defence systems fired repeatedly as drones and missiles descended on the capital.
As a result, around 1.2 million properties across Ukraine were left without electricity. In Kyiv alone, more than 800,000 residents lost power. Another 400,000 people were affected in the northern Chernihiv region, according to Ukrainian officials.
The timing of the attack raised concerns. It came as U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine continued for a second day in the United Arab Emirates. Despite diplomatic efforts, there were no signs of de-escalation.
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy network since its full-scale invasion in 2022. This winter has seen the heaviest bombardment so far. Many Ukrainians are now receiving only a few hours of electricity daily. Some areas are without heating or water entirely.
Kyiv Freezes as Heating Systems Collapse
The situation in Kyiv was especially severe. Nearly 6,000 buildings were left without heating on Saturday morning. Temperatures hovered near minus 10 degrees Celsius. Many apartments were already freezing due to earlier attacks on the city’s central heating system.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that one person was killed in the capital. Four others were injured. Three required hospital treatment. Emergency crews worked through the cold to restore services, but progress was slow.
The head of Kyiv’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, said strikes hit at least four districts. A medical facility was among the damaged buildings. Residents reported shattered windows and structural damage.
Before this latest assault, Kyiv had already endured two major overnight attacks since the start of the year. Those strikes also cut electricity and heating to hundreds of residential buildings. Some of the homes affected on Saturday had only recently regained heat.
City officials warned that repeated disruptions were placing extreme strain on infrastructure. Repair teams were stretched thin. Harsh weather made restoration work even more difficult.
Kharkiv Hit Again as Drones Strike Civilian Sites
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 375 drones and 21 missiles overnight. The attack included two Tsirkon ballistic missiles, which are rarely deployed. Air defence units intercepted many threats, but several strikes got through.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, was again heavily targeted. The city lies just 30 kilometres from the Russian border. It has faced frequent attacks since the war began.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov said at least 25 drones struck multiple districts. Nineteen people were wounded, including a child. Among the damaged sites were a dormitory housing displaced families and two medical facilities. One of them was a maternity hospital.
Emergency services rushed to affected areas. Firefighters battled blazes caused by falling debris. Medical staff worked under difficult conditions as power outages disrupted operations.
Ukrainian officials said the latest strikes showed Russia’s continued focus on civilian infrastructure. The goal, they said, was to break morale during winter. With freezing temperatures and limited power, millions face growing hardship.
