UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Monday night as “barbaric” and “particularly depraved,” after temperatures plunged to -20°C (-4°F). The strikes targeted power plants and critical infrastructure in Kyiv and other cities, coming at the end of a week-long pause requested by US President Donald Trump.
Trump, speaking after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Putin “kept his word” during the temporary pause and expressed hope for an end to the war. US envoys are currently meeting with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi to discuss the details of a proposed peace plan. When asked about Russia’s renewed attacks, Trump acknowledged the one-week truce had ended and remarked on the harsh winter conditions in Ukraine.
The latest strikes have caused widespread disruption. Over 1,000 apartment blocks in Kyiv are without heating, and a power plant in Kharkiv has been rendered inoperable. Residents have been forced to take shelter in metro stations, with some pitching tents on platforms to survive the freezing temperatures. Authorities have opened warming centers around Kyiv and are importing additional generators to cope with extended blackouts while repairs are underway.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister, Denys Shmyhal, described the situation as “difficult,” noting that repairs will take time. The Darnytsia Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant in Kyiv was “severely damaged,” he added.
Psychologist Iryna Vovk, who lives in Kyiv with her daughter, told BBC Radio 4 that she is considering moving to her parents’ village due to unreliable electricity and water. She described life in the capital as “very awful,” and said her daughter is struggling to maintain normal routines, including online schooling.
Ukraine continues to report a shortage of missiles and has urged allies for additional support. The Ukrainian Air Force reported being targeted by over 100 drones early Wednesday, though most were intercepted. Drone strikes were reported across 14 locations, with falling debris causing damage.
Casualties from the attacks have been reported across multiple regions. In Dnipropetrovsk, a 68-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man were killed, with two others injured. In Zaporizhzhia, three people, including children, were killed and 11 injured. Luhansk reported two deaths from a Ukrainian drone strike on a minibus, while Odesa suffered at least five injuries and damage to residential buildings. Residents described destroyed apartments and scattered furniture in the aftermath.
Ukraine has also targeted Russian territory. In Bryansk, a missile and drone attack destroyed a residential building, injuring one person. Belgorod continues recovery efforts after an earlier Ukrainian strike that disrupted power and water services.
Meanwhile, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are facilitating negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Abu Dhabi. One of the most challenging issues remains Moscow’s demand for Ukraine to cede the remainder of the Donbas region.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, and the conflict continues to cause humanitarian and infrastructure crises across the region.