Russia launched what Ukraine described as its "most powerful" attack of the year on the country's energy infrastructure between Monday night and Tuesday morning, leaving hundreds of thousands without heat as temperatures plunged.
"Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important to Russia than turning to diplomacy," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, referring to ongoing negotiations to end the war.
Ukraine's Energy Minister Denys Shmygal said Russia used a combination of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, to strike residential buildings and thermal power plants.
"Hundreds of thousands of families, including children, were deliberately left without heat in the harshest winter frosts," Shmygal said.
Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, DTEK, said Tuesday’s barrage was the "most powerful" attack on energy facilities since the start of 2026.
In Kyiv, people in more than 1,000 buildings woke to find their heating cut off as temperatures approached minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit). Five people were wounded, city officials said.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 71 missiles and 450 attack drones at the country overnight.
The Kremlin said last week it had agreed to a U.S. request not to strike Kyiv for seven days, a period that ended Sunday. Ukraine did not report large-scale attacks on the capital during that time, though it said strikes continued elsewhere.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
