Ukraine's parliament and half of Kyiv with no heating after Russian strikes

A large Russian aerial strike on Ukraine overnight has left a million people in Kyiv without power, including half of the city's residential buildings and the Ukrainian parliament, leaving them without heating and water. The strikes, which targeted Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odesa, resulted in at least four deaths and 33 injuries across Ukraine between Monday and Tuesday. According to Mayor Klitschko, almost 80% of the affected buildings had just had their heating restored following a previous attack on January 9th. President Zelensky said that repelling the attack cost Ukraine approximately €80m in air defense missiles alone and has cancelled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos. Temperatures in Ukraine remain below freezing, causing further infrastructure damage.

As of January 19, 2026, Russia is reportedly weaponizing freezing weather in Ukraine by attacking the country's energy grid. These attacks have left many Kyiv residents without reliable heat or power, forcing them to endure near-freezing temperatures in their homes. The situation has led to a state of emergency in Kyiv, where people are relying on temporary warming centers for survival. Al Jazeera reports that the attacks are intentionally targeting infrastructure to exacerbate the effects of winter on the civilian population. The lack of essential services is creating a humanitarian crisis as residents struggle to cope with the harsh conditions.

In January 2026, Russia intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Odesa, targeting energy infrastructure with drones and missiles. These attacks caused widespread power outages, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity, heat, and water in freezing temperatures. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared a state of emergency for the energy sector in response. The strikes resulted in civilian casualties and further strained Ukraine's humanitarian situation.

As Kyiv experiences intensifying Russian attacks and plummeting temperatures reaching -19C, residents are struggling with power outages, lack of heating, and water shortages. To provide relief, Ukrainian Railways has introduced "Invincibility Trains" at suburban stations, offering warmth, electricity, and a safe space for those without basic amenities. These trains, equipped with toys and resources from charities, aim to boost morale and provide comfort amidst the harsh winter conditions. While President Zelensky accuses Russia of targeting critical infrastructure, Kyiv's mayor suggested some residents should leave the city to ease pressure on resources. Despite the hardships, many Kyiv residents remain resilient, finding ways to cope with the challenging circumstances.