Russian strike on Ukraine’s Kyiv leaves 1,700 buildings still without heat, mayor says

Around 1,700 apartment buildings in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv were still without heating following a Russian missile and drone attack earlier this week, Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said on Sunday.

Moscow has sharply intensified bombardments of Ukraine’s energy system since it invaded its neighbor in 2022.

Russia launched a vast attack on Ukraine’s energy system on Saturday, rocking Kyiv with explosions overnight, leaving 1.2 million properties without power countrywide during sub-zero winter temperatures.

“Russia’s main targets right now are our energy sector, critical infrastructure, and residential buildings,” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X.

People warm their hands over a BBQ during a blackout party in Kyiv, after losing electricity from a Russian drone and airstrike on Jan. 24, 2026. REUTERS Ukrainians warm themselves at a bonfire after a Russian airstrike knocked