Russia carried out another large-scale air attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure early Saturday, triggering explosions across Kyiv and leaving around 1.2 million properties nationwide without electricity.
In the capital, nearly 6,000 buildings were left without heating as temperatures fell to about minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 Fahrenheit). Many apartments were already bitterly cold following earlier strikes that disrupted Kyiv’s central heating network.
Strikes Continue as Talks Show No Breakthrough
The latest bombardment came as U.S.-mediated talks involving Russia and Ukraine entered a second day in the United Arab Emirates, with no signs of progress or compromise reported on Friday.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said one person was killed in the capital and four others injured, including three hospitalised. In Kharkiv, at least 19 people — including a child — were wounded.
Power Outages Spread Across Regions
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said more than 800,000 residents in Kyiv and a further 400,000 in the northern Chernihiv region were left without electricity after the strikes.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 375 drones and 21 missiles overnight, including two Tsirkon hypersonic missiles, which are rarely used.
Residents in Kyiv reported seeing the sky light up with flashes as air defence systems intercepted incoming drones and missiles, with loud explosions echoing through the city.
Damage to Medical Facilities
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said at least four districts were hit, with damage reported to several buildings, including a medical facility.
Kyiv has already endured two mass overnight attacks since the start of the year, both of which knocked out electricity and heating to hundreds of residential buildings. Emergency crews were still repairing damage from those strikes when the latest attack occurred.
Klitschko said many buildings that lost heating overnight had only recently had services restored.
Kharkiv Hit Again
In Kharkiv, which lies about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the Russian border and close to active front lines, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 25 drones struck several districts.
Posting on Telegram, Terekhov said the attacks damaged a dormitory housing displaced people and hit two medical facilities, including a maternity hospital.
Energy System Under Sustained Pressure
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power grid since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022. This winter has seen the heaviest campaign yet against energy facilities, leaving many Ukrainians with electricity for only a few hours a day and, in some areas, no heat or running water.
Authorities warned that continued attacks on critical infrastructure could further worsen conditions as freezing temperatures persist.