Russian Strikes Force Kyiv Schools to Close Amid Rolling Blackouts

Due to intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure amidst freezing temperatures, Kyiv schools will close until February. The closures, announced by Mayor Vitali Klitschko, prioritize child safety as the capital faces severe disruptions, including widespread blackouts and heating shortages. Approximately 70 multistory buildings in Kyiv remain without heat following recent Russian attacks on heating and electrical infrastructure. The strikes, aiming to undermine civilian morale and pressure the government, have targeted power plants, gas storage facilities, and electricity substations across Ukraine. While Ukrainians previously coped with infrastructure attacks, this year's intensified strikes and prolonged outages have overwhelmed available resources, prompting authorities to establish public warming centers.

Ukraine's energy minister, Denys Shmyhal, has warned that Russian attacks have crippled the country's electricity grid, leaving residents without heating or power in freezing winter temperatures. The attacks have targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. As of January 16, 2026, Ukraine is struggling to cope with the impact, with fuel reserves estimated to last just 20 days. The situation is particularly dire in cities such as Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa, where thousands of homes have been without electricity and heating for days. The Ukrainian government has ordered emergency imports of electricity to address the crisis. The attacks have had a devastating impact on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with limited mobility.