Russia has repeatedly attacked power plants, substations and heating systems since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022, a strategy Ukrainian officials say is aimed at weakening civilian morale during harsh winter conditions.
According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia launched a large-scale assault on the country’s energy system over the weekend, triggering explosions across Kyiv and other regions. At its peak, nearly 1.2 million properties across Ukraine were left without electricity.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said that at least 6,000 buildings in Kyiv were without heating early Saturday, a figure that has since been reduced by more than half due to emergency repair efforts.
Utilities Restore Partial Supply
Klitschko said utility workers and energy companies managed to restore heating to about 2,000 buildings since Saturday evening. However, he warned that repairs remain complex due to ongoing security threats and damage to multiple grid components.
“Restoration work is continuing non-stop, but the situation remains difficult,” the mayor said in a statement posted on Telegram.
Negotiations Amid Escalation
The latest attack on Kyiv coincided with diplomatic discussions involving Ukrainian, Russian and American representatives in Abu Dhabi, where possible pathways to ending the conflict were reportedly explored.
Despite the talks, Russia intensified its strikes, underlining the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts as fighting continues on multiple fronts.
Zelenskiy Warns of Growing Threat
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia’s primary targets remain the country’s energy sector, critical infrastructure and residential areas. Writing on social media, he said the scale of recent attacks demonstrated Moscow’s intent to sustain pressure.
Zelenskiy stated that in just one week, Russia had launched more than 1,700 drones, over 1,380 guided aerial bombs and 69 missiles at Ukrainian targets.
Winter Crisis Deepens for Civilians
Temperatures in Kyiv have dropped well below freezing, forcing residents in affected neighbourhoods to rely on temporary shelters, electric heaters and improvised warming methods.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that prolonged disruptions to heating and power could pose serious health risks, particularly for elderly residents and children.
Global Attention on Energy Warfare
Energy experts say Russia’s continued targeting of civilian infrastructure reflects a broader strategy of energy warfare, designed to stretch Ukraine’s repair capacity and international support.
India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict, while stressing the importance of protecting civilian infrastructure under international humanitarian law..