Kyiv Faces Winter Darkness as Russian Strikes Leave Thousands Without Heat

Thu Jan 22 2026 01:43:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A severe winter cold snap coincides with a recent wave of Russian missile strikes, leaving many in Kyiv without heating or power as the city grapples with freezing temperatures.

Russian aerial strikes on Kyiv have left half of the city without heating or power amid a bitter winter cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to -10C. Drone and missile attacks have targeted residential buildings, resulting in casualties and forcing many to seek refuge in metro stations. Despite efforts to restore services, the situation remains dire as President Zelensky emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities.

A large Russian aerial strike on Ukraine has again left half of Kyiv's residential buildings without heating or power as temperatures across the country continue to hover around -10°C.

Drones, ballistic and cruise missiles targeted several locations in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Dnipro in the centre, and Odesa in the south.

Air raid alerts in the capital lasted for most of the night. On Tuesday, sirens rang out again as Russian drones and cruise missiles approached the capital.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated a significant number of targets had been intercepted, but repelling the attack cost Ukraine around €80 million (£69 million) solely in air defense missiles.

Between Monday and Tuesday, at least four people died and 33 others were injured in strikes across Ukraine. More than 5,600 residential buildings in Kyiv were left without heating, and a large part of the capital also had no water.

Mayor Vitalii Klitschko noted that nearly 80% of those buildings had just restored heating from previous attacks, which had knocked out power for much of the city.

Keen to remain in Kyiv after the strikes, President Zelensky postponed a planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, indicating he would travel only if important documents with the United States were ready to be signed.

Throughout the recent cold spell, Ukrainians have reported radiators bursting and flooding due to frozen water, while others have started fires using gas heaters indoors. Many residents are adapting with portable stoves and generators.

Over 10,000 people sought refuge in Kyiv's metro stations due to ongoing threats, which now serve as the main safety area amid the continuing attacks.

Zelensky emphasized the pressing need for strong air defense systems to address the unyielding missile assaults from Russia, stating, the key is in the hands of the United States for timely missile deliveries.

The population wrestles with compounded suffering from the strikes and frigid temperatures, leading many to innovative survival strategies as they await better conditions.