What's happened
As of late January 2026, Russia has escalated drone and missile strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure amid one of the coldest winters in years. These attacks have caused widespread power outages affecting millions, including over half of Kyiv's residents. Ukrainian forces intercepted most attacks, but critical damage persists. Diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. continue, focusing on security guarantees and peace talks.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Targeting of Energy Infrastructure
Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy systems represent a calculated effort to undermine civilian resilience during the harsh winter months. By repeatedly targeting power grids, heating systems, and critical infrastructure, Moscow aims to pressure Kyiv into territorial concessions amid ongoing peace negotiations.
Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure
The strikes have left millions without heat and electricity, with Kyiv alone experiencing outages in over 1,300 to 5,600 apartment buildings at various points. Sub-zero temperatures exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, increasing risks of hypothermia and illness. Repair crews face dangerous conditions and repeated disruptions, slowing restoration efforts.
Diplomatic Context and Military Realities
Despite U.S.-brokered talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., progress remains limited, with territorial disputes unresolved. Russia's lack of significant battlefield gains has shifted its focus to leveraging energy attacks as a bargaining chip. Ukraine's demand for enhanced air defenses and security guarantees underscores the ongoing vulnerability to aerial assaults.
Forecast and Consequences
The continuation of these attacks will likely prolong civilian suffering and complicate Ukraine's recovery and governance, especially with upcoming elections. The international community's response, including increased military aid and sanctions, will be critical in shaping the conflict's trajectory. Failure to secure a ceasefire or peace deal may see further escalation in energy-targeted strikes, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that over 1,300 apartment buildings in Kyiv remain without heating following recent Russian missile and drone attacks, with President Zelenskyy emphasizing the need for more air defenses amid ongoing U.S.-brokered peace talks. The New Arab highlights the scale of attacks, noting over 1,700 drones and 1,380 guided bombs launched in a single week, and draws historical parallels with past struggles against Russian imperialism. The New York Times details the severe impact on Kyiv, with over 5,600 buildings losing heat and authorities scrambling to restore services amid freezing temperatures, while also noting the diplomatic distractions caused by other global crises. The Moscow Times and The Independent corroborate the intensity of attacks and the humanitarian toll, emphasizing the challenges faced by repair crews and the strategic use of winter conditions by Russia. These sources collectively illustrate a multifaceted crisis combining military, humanitarian, and diplomatic dimensions, underscoring the urgency of international support and the complexity of achieving peace.
How we got here
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure to weaken civilian morale, especially during harsh winters. The strategy, dubbed 'weaponizing winter' by Kyiv, involves sustained drone and missile attacks aimed at power grids, heating, and critical infrastructure, complicating repair efforts and exacerbating humanitarian challenges.
Go deeper
- How are Ukraine's air defenses coping with the drone attacks?
- What progress has been made in the peace talks involving the US and Russia?
- How is the energy crisis affecting civilians in Kyiv and other regions?
Common question
-
How Is Russia's Attack Impacting Ukraine’s Energy Supply During Winter?
Ukraine is facing a harsh winter with its energy infrastructure under relentless attack from Russia. With temperatures dropping as low as -18°C, the country is struggling to keep the lights on and homes heated. Many wonder how these attacks are affecting daily life and what measures are being taken to cope. Below, we explore the impact of ongoing conflict on Ukraine’s energy supply, the emergency steps in place, and how international aid is helping Ukraine weather this crisis.
-
How Are Ukraine's Power Outages Affecting Daily Life During Winter?
Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia has severely impacted its energy infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages during the harsh winter months. These outages are not just inconvenient—they pose serious challenges to daily life, health, and safety for millions of Ukrainians. Many are wondering how people are coping, what measures are being taken, and what the future holds as the conflict continues to target critical infrastructure. Below, we explore the current situation and answer common questions about Ukraine's energy crisis and its impact on civilians.
-
Why Are Russia's Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure Increasing?
Russia has stepped up drone and missile strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, especially during one of the coldest winters in recent years. This escalation aims to weaken Ukraine’s ability to provide heat and power to its people, making everyday life more difficult amid freezing temperatures. Many wonder why these attacks are increasing and what they mean for Ukraine’s future. Below, we explore the reasons behind this intensification and what it could mean for civilians and international efforts.
-
What is the current status of Russia's drone and missile attacks on Ukraine?
As of January 20, 2026, Russia has intensified its drone and missile strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages during one of the coldest winters. This ongoing escalation raises questions about the impact on civilians, the progress of peace talks, and what this means for global security. Below, we explore the latest developments and answer common questions about the conflict.
-
How Is Russia's Energy Attacks Affecting Ukraine and the World?
Russia's recent drone and missile strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are causing widespread power outages during one of the coldest winters in years. This situation raises important questions about the global impact of these attacks, how other countries are responding, and what it means for humanitarian efforts. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding this ongoing crisis and answer common questions about its broader implications.
-
What Are Ukraine and Its Allies Doing to Restore Power During the Cold Winter?
Ukraine is currently facing severe power outages caused by ongoing Russian drone and missile attacks targeting its energy infrastructure. With winter at its coldest, efforts to restore electricity are critical for civilian survival. This page explores what Ukraine and its allies are doing to bring back power, the potential for diplomatic solutions, and how civilians are coping amid these challenging conditions.
-
Why Is Russia Targeting Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure?
Russia's recent surge in drone and missile strikes aims to cripple Ukraine's energy supply during one of the coldest winters in years. This strategic targeting is part of a broader effort to weaken Ukrainian resilience and morale amid ongoing conflict. Many wonder why these attacks are happening now and what they mean for Ukraine's future. Below, we explore the reasons behind Russia's focus on energy infrastructure and what it means for civilians and the conflict as a whole.
-
Why Are US, Russia, and Europe Making Headlines Now?
Recent international developments have put the US, Russia, and Europe in the spotlight. From US seizing Venezuelan oil tankers to Russia's strikes on Ukraine and Europe's concerns over US threats in Greenland, these stories are shaping global stability. Curious about what's really happening and what it means for the world? Below are the key questions and answers to help you understand these complex issues.
-
What’s the Latest on Ukraine, Iran, and Regional Tensions?
Recent developments across Ukraine, Iran, and the Caribbean highlight escalating conflicts and international efforts to manage crises. From Russia’s intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to Iran’s ongoing protests and regional disputes involving the US, these stories raise important questions about global stability. Below, we explore the key issues and answer common questions about these complex situations.
-
Why is Russia attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure?
Russia's recent escalation of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure has raised many questions. Why target energy supplies during winter? What are Russia's strategic goals? And how is Ukraine responding? Below, we explore these critical issues and more to help you understand the ongoing conflict and its wider implications.
More on these topics
-
Kyiv, also Kiev, is the capital and most populous city of Ukraine. Located in the north-central part of the country, it straddles both banks of the Dnieper River. As of January 2022, the population of Kyiv was 2,952,301, making it the seventh-most populou
-
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
-
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
-
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
-
Vitali Volodymyrovych Klitschko is a Ukrainian politician and former professional boxer. He currently serves as Mayor of Kyiv and head of the Kyiv City State Administration, having held both offices since June 2014.
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
-
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces, are the military of Russia. They are organized into three service branches—the Ground Forces, Navy, and Aerospace Forces—three independent combat arms (the S
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.