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Massive Russian airstrikes cripple Kyiv's heating and power
Nearly half of Kyiv's residential buildings lost heating and electricity after Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault overnight, as Ukraine endures sub-zero temperatures.
Widespread damage and casualties
Drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles targeted multiple Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, Dnipro in central Ukraine, and Odesa in the south. Air raid sirens blared across Kyiv for most of the night, with warnings reactivated Tuesday morning as fresh waves of drones and missiles approached.
At least four people were killed and 33 injured in the strikes between Monday and Tuesday, according to Ukrainian officials. In Kyiv alone, over 5,600 apartment buildings-home to thousands of residents-awoke without heating or running water.
Infrastructure repairs undone in hours
Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko reported that nearly 80% of the affected buildings had only recently had their heating restored following a devastating attack on January 9. Emergency crews had worked tirelessly to reconnect power and gas supplies, but the latest bombardment erased those gains in a matter of hours.
Oleksandr Palii, a 29-year-old veteran, described the night's chaos: "I have no electricity and no water. I didn't sleep until 3 a.m. because of the strikes-there were explosions all night."
Zelensky cancels Davos trip amid crisis
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had planned to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, announced he would remain in Kyiv. He stated he would only travel if documents on security guarantees with the United States and a prosperity plan were ready to be signed.
Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine's air defenses intercepted a "significant number" of incoming targets but noted the financial toll: repelling the attack cost Ukraine approximately €80 million (£69 million) in air defense missiles alone.
Freezing temperatures compound suffering
With temperatures hovering around -10°C (14°F), Ukrainians are grappling with frozen radiators, burst pipes, and fires caused by indoor gas heaters. Social media has circulated videos of residents barbecuing in snowy yards and dancing to stay warm, but many describe this as the harshest winter since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Olha Zasiadvovk, a mother of a young child, highlighted the struggles of less affluent families: "People who are less well-off are coping much worse." She and other parents pooled resources to buy lamps and thermal containers for their children's kindergarten, but sporadic power outages mean food spoils quickly.
Thousands seek shelter in Kyiv's metro
The Kyiv city administration reported that over 10,000 people, including nearly 800 children, took refuge in metro stations Monday night. Many high-rise buildings lack shelters, making the underground system the only safe option during air raids.
Zelensky urges unity amid diplomatic tensions
Zelensky warned that Russia's missile production capacity remains intact, emphasizing the urgent need for more air defense systems. "Russia is using far more ballistic missiles in its attacks," he said, adding that Ukraine's ability to defend itself hinges on timely deliveries from Western partners.
He also expressed concern about growing divisions between the U.S. and Europe, which could undermine Ukraine's defense. "A great deal in the security of Ukrainians depends on the unity of Europe and America," he stressed.
"The resilience of the Ukrainian people cannot be an excuse for this war to continue. It must end as soon as possible."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha
Innovation amid adversity
Despite the hardships, Kyiv residents are adapting. Many use portable stoves for cooking, and entire buildings are pooling funds to purchase generators. However, survival often depends on individual financial resources, leaving the most vulnerable at greater risk.
