Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,439

On January 30, 2026, day 1,436 of the Russia-Ukraine war, intensified fighting resulted in casualties on both sides. A Russian drone attack in Vilniansk, Zaporizhia region, killed three civilians and destroyed homes, while other Russian attacks caused deaths and injuries in Kryvyi Rih, Druzhkivka, and Khatnie. The death toll from a previous attack on Odesa rose to four. A Ukrainian drone attack reportedly killed a hospital employee in Russia's Belgorod region, and Russia claimed to have shot down 111 Ukrainian drones. Kyiv is facing an energy crisis with hundreds of residential buildings without heating as temperatures plummet. Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump announced an agreement with Russia for a week-long ceasefire in Kyiv and other cities due to severe winter weather, facilitated by discussions in the United Arab Emirates.

Ukraine is bracing for severe winter weather as President Trump announced that Russia's Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine's power grid. Trump stated Putin agreed to his request to pause targeting Kyiv and other towns for one week due to the frigid temperatures causing hardship for civilians. However, Trump did not specify when the call with Putin occurred or when the moratorium would begin, and the White House has not provided further clarification. The Kremlin has not confirmed Putin's commitment. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia's willingness to end the war, which is approaching its fourth anniversary next month.

A Russian drone attack struck a civilian passenger train in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine on Tuesday, resulting in at least five deaths and two injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as an "act of terrorism," emphasizing there was no military justification for targeting civilians. According to Ukraine’s deputy prime minister, Oleksiy Kuleba, three Russian drones were used in the attack on the train, which was carrying over 200 people. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office confirmed the updated casualty count on Wednesday, also reporting one man as missing. The incident has drawn international attention and condemnation.

Donald Trump claimed that Vladimir Putin agreed to a one-week halt of strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure after a personal appeal, citing extreme cold in Ukraine. This alleged ceasefire, unconfirmed by Russia, was announced during a White House meeting. Trump stated he informed Ukrainian officials, who were reportedly pleased. Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged expecting the implementation of such an agreement. The claim follows recent Russian strikes that left over a million people in Kyiv without power. Talks between Ukraine and Russia are expected to continue in Abu Dhabi this weekend, despite a Kremlin aide rejecting assertions that territorial issues are the only remaining obstacle to peace.

In January 2026, Donald Trump announced that Russia agreed to pause bombing Kyiv and other Ukrainian towns for one week due to extreme winter conditions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed Trump's announcement, calling it an important step towards securing Ukrainian cities during the cold weather. The pause was reportedly discussed during ceasefire talks in the United Arab Emirates, with Zelenskyy expressing hope for the agreement's implementation. Trump stated that he personally requested the pause from President Putin, citing the "extraordinary cold." The announcement comes as Kyiv struggles to restore power and heating to residential buildings following recent Russian bombings, with temperatures expected to drop significantly.

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week due to extreme cold weather. Trump said he personally requested this pause to alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by disrupted power, heating, and water supplies resulting from Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. The request was made in light of record-setting cold temperatures affecting both Ukraine and Russia. Trump expressed confidence that Putin would honor the agreement, although there was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin. The strikes have left millions of Ukrainians without essential services during the winter months.

The UN's nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, held a special session in Vienna on January 30, 2026, to address growing concerns about nuclear safety risks in Ukraine due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi warned that the war poses the world's biggest threat to nuclear safety, as Ukrainian nuclear plants rely on external power from substations for reactor cooling, even when shut down. The meeting followed an IAEA inspection of 10 crucial electrical substations. While Ukraine has four nuclear plants, the Zaporizhzhia plant, occupied by Russian forces, is of particular concern as it requires constant power for cooling and security. The meeting, requested by the Netherlands and supported by other countries, aimed to increase pressure on Russia to avoid actions that could lead to a nuclear accident.

As a pause in Russian strikes on Kyiv nears its end, Ukraine is working to bolster its air defenses, particularly against drones, in frontline cities and border regions. The pause, reportedly requested by Donald Trump and agreed to by Vladimir Putin until February 1st, is intended to create favorable conditions for negotiations. Despite the halt, Russian officials have publicly advocated for escalation, and Ukrainian officials emphasize there is no formal ceasefire. Experts suggest the pause is more symbolic, reflecting political signaling and Trump's relationship with Putin, rather than a significant military shift. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is strengthening short-range air defenses against drones to protect frontline cities in the south and northeast.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Monday that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, addressing the European Parliament in Brussels amid concerns about transatlantic relations. Rutte's remarks followed President Trump's comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he downplayed seizing Greenland but also belittled Europe's reliance on America. Rutte, who has fostered a relationship with Trump, defended his role in easing Trump's threats regarding Greenland, though he denied negotiating on behalf of Denmark, which along with Greenland, has rejected a potential American takeover. Members of the European Parliament pressed Rutte for details on his discussions with Trump and any potential deal concerning Greenland's future, but Rutte remained vague.

Amid a bitter winter with widespread power outages and heating shortages in Kyiv due to Russian attacks, Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting, planned for Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, comes as Trump's administration attempts to halt the ongoing conflict. Trump's delegates are also expected to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow later in the week. The situation in Kyiv is dire, with thousands of buildings lacking heat and a majority of the capital without power as temperatures plummet. Trump has expressed his desire to end the "horrible war" in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner late Thursday to discuss a potential settlement in Ukraine. The Kremlin emphasized that resolving the territorial issue, specifically Ukraine's withdrawal from annexed eastern regions, is crucial for any long-term peace agreement. The meeting, which lasted past 3 a.m. Friday, occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized European allies' slow response to the Russian invasion. Despite the territorial disagreements, Russian, Ukrainian, and US officials agreed to hold security talks in the United Arab Emirates on Friday regarding a prospective peace deal. Zelensky stated that peace proposals are nearly ready, but the status of Russian-occupied land remains unresolved.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized European leaders for inaction on geopolitical crises, particularly regarding Ukraine. He accused them of waiting for direction from the U.S., referencing Trump's past interest in Greenland as an example of European hesitancy. Zelenskyy argued Europe needs to develop its own defense capabilities, including a united armed forces, instead of relying solely on NATO and the uncertain commitment of the United States. He suggested Ukraine could assist in European defense and urged stronger action against Russia's "shadow fleet" and sanctions evasion, which fund its war efforts. The speech followed a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump concerning stalled peace talks related to the war in Ukraine.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump promoted his new "Board of Peace," a controversial organization aimed at resolving international conflicts. The board, which requires a US$1 billion membership fee, has invited leaders like Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Viktor Orban to join. This announcement follows Trump's decision to scrap tariffs against Europe and dismiss the idea of acquiring Greenland from Denmark, actions that eased tensions at the global meeting. Trump expressed his belief that the board is the "greatest ever formed" during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, another leader who has agreed to participate. The launch occurs amidst reports of Trump's disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

In January 2026, Palestinian technocrat leader Ali Shaath announced that the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen next week. The announcement, made during a World Economic Forum event hosted by US President Donald Trump, signals a potential shift from previous Israeli policies regarding the crossing. Shaath stated the reopening represents a lifeline and opportunity for Palestinians, signifying Gaza is no longer closed off. The crossing has been largely shut since Israel's war, despite a ceasefire agreement that left Israel in control of the border area. The White House also announced the 15 members of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which Shaath will lead, to oversee the transition of power in Gaza.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump launched his "board of peace" initiative, claiming the world is currently "richer, safer, and more peaceful" than a year ago. The signing ceremony included ministers and heads of government from 19 countries, including Morocco, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia. Trump stated the organization, which he will chair, could be "one of the most consequential bodies ever created" and suggested it could potentially work with or even supplant the United Nations. The board was initially conceived as part of a Gaza ceasefire plan but has since expanded to encompass a broader geopolitical role. Trump also repeated his claim to have stopped eight wars.

Ahead of a second day of peace talks in Abu Dhabi between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, Russian attacks on Ukraine killed one person and wounded 23 on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Drone attacks in Kyiv killed one and wounded four, according to the Kyiv City Military Administration. In Kharkiv, drone attacks wounded 19 people, according to the city's mayor. The talks in the United Arab Emirates represent the first known instance of Trump administration officials meeting with both countries to seek a resolution to Russia's nearly four-year invasion. The UAE's foreign ministry stated the talks aim to promote dialogue and find political solutions, while the White House described the first day as productive.

On January 23, 2026, day 1,429 of the Russia-Ukraine war, fighting continued across Ukraine, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. Russian drone and glide bomb attacks targeted regions including Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk, causing deaths, injuries, and damage to residential buildings. Russia claimed to have shot down 31 Ukrainian drones. Meanwhile, a French naval operation in the Mediterranean Sea intercepted a Russian oil tanker suspected of evading international sanctions. Ukraine's energy system faced its most challenging day since November 2022, with widespread heating outages in Kyiv and the Dnipropetrovsk region due to Russian attacks and low temperatures. Ukrainian negotiators are heading to the UAE for talks with Russian and United States negotiators.

A Russian drone and missile strike on Tuesday left almost half of Kyiv without heat and water, impacting thousands of residential buildings amidst freezing temperatures. The overnight bombardment, part of a larger assault targeting energy facilities across Ukraine, killed at least one person near Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses responded to the attack, as residents sought shelter in subway stations. The strikes, which have disrupted utilities for millions in recent weeks, prompted accusations of a deliberate effort to weaken Ukrainian resistance. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga condemned the attacks as a genocidal war.

Ukraine is facing an energy emergency due to repeated Russian attacks on its infrastructure, leaving thousands without heat and electricity as temperatures plummet to -19 degrees Celsius. President Zelenskyy announced the emergency, noting the severe consequences of the attacks combined with deteriorating weather conditions. Kyiv is particularly affected, with hundreds of apartment buildings remaining without heat almost a week after a major Russian attack. Repair crews are working around the clock, and the government is exploring increased electricity imports and reviewing curfew restrictions to address the crisis. The mayor of Kyiv urged residents to consider leaving the city due to the damage to critical infrastructure.

Russian attacks have intensified in Kyiv, Ukraine, during a severe cold snap in January 2026, causing widespread heating and electricity outages. These strikes, part of a long-term Kremlin strategy, are the most devastating yet, impacting civilian morale and potentially pressuring the Ukrainian government. Emergency services have established tents providing heat and electricity to residents. The outages have forced some Kyiv residents to leave the city in search of warmth and basic necessities. The attacks aim to damage Ukrainian infrastructure and potentially influence peace negotiations.

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.

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector, particularly in Kyiv, due to ongoing Russian strikes and freezing temperatures. President Zelensky announced the creation of a task force to address the damage to critical infrastructure and accused Russia of exploiting the cold weather. The strikes have left thousands without power, heating, and water, with Kyiv being particularly affected. Zelensky ordered the procurement of energy equipment and the establishment of more emergency help points. Russian attacks have impacted energy infrastructure beyond Kyiv, affecting over a million people in southeastern Ukraine. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy provider, is operating in crisis mode due to repeated attacks on the grid.