What's happened
On January 7-8, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa regions. The strikes caused widespread power outages affecting over a million people amid freezing winter conditions. Ukrainian crews are working to restore services while President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as attempts to break civilian morale. Diplomatic efforts for peace continue without Russian compromise.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure
Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy grid during winter represent a deliberate strategy to weaken civilian morale and infrastructure resilience. By targeting power plants, heating, and water supplies, Moscow aims to exacerbate humanitarian suffering and pressure Kyiv politically.
Ukrainian Resilience and Response
Despite severe damage and outages affecting over a million people, Ukrainian energy workers have rapidly mobilized to restore critical services. President Zelenskyy's calls for increased international support underscore Ukraine's reliance on external aid to bolster air defenses and infrastructure repair.
Diplomatic Stalemate and Military Escalation
While diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. and allies continue to seek a peace framework, Russia's ongoing attacks and recent use of nuclear-capable missiles signal a hardened stance. The prospect of a ceasefire remains distant, with unresolved territorial disputes and security guarantees.
Broader Implications
The attacks highlight the war's evolving nature, where energy infrastructure becomes a frontline. This will likely prolong civilian hardship and complicate reconstruction efforts. International partners face pressure to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities and prepare for postwar recovery.
Forecast
Without a shift in Russian strategy or successful diplomatic breakthroughs, Ukraine will continue to endure energy disruptions during harsh winter conditions. The conflict's humanitarian toll will deepen, reinforcing the urgency for sustained international support and strategic resilience.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports on the deadly strikes in Kharkiv, noting four fatalities and damage to a postal hub and children's medical facility, emphasizing the scale of Russia's missile and drone barrage (The Moscow Times, Jan 13). The Independent and AP News highlight President Zelenskyy's condemnation of the attacks as lacking military rationale and his call for global pressure on Moscow, alongside ongoing U.S.-led peace efforts (The Independent, Jan 8; AP News, Jan 8). Al Jazeera details the blackout in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk affecting over a million people, with Ukrainian officials describing the strikes as "deliberate torment" and noting the impact on emergency systems and mobile networks (Al Jazeera, Jan 8). Politico and Reuters provide context on the harsh winter conditions worsening the energy crisis and the challenges faced by repair crews (Politico, Jan 8; Reuters, Jan 8). The New York Times offers insight into the rapid restoration efforts and the strategic targeting of gas infrastructure, underscoring the humanitarian stakes amid freezing temperatures (New York Times, Jan 8). France 24 and The Moscow Times also discuss Ukraine's retaliatory strikes on Russian oil depots and the broader military context, including Russia's claim of territorial gains and warnings about foreign troops as targets (France 24, Jan 8; The Moscow Times, Jan 8). Together, these sources provide a comprehensive picture of the ongoing energy warfare, its human impact, and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
How we got here
Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, especially during winter, aiming to disrupt civilian life by cutting power and heating. Ukraine and Western allies have sought peace talks, but Russia shows no willingness to compromise. Ukraine has responded with strikes on Russian energy assets to pressure Moscow.
Go deeper
- What is Ukraine doing to restore power after the attacks?
- How are international allies responding to Ukraine's calls for support?
- What impact do these energy strikes have on civilians during winter?
Common question
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Why Are Power Outages in Ukraine Getting Worse?
Ukraine's energy crisis has escalated sharply due to ongoing Russian attacks and harsh winter conditions. Many are wondering what’s causing these worsening power outages, how Russia’s strikes are impacting infrastructure, and what’s being done to restore essential services. Below, we answer the most common questions about this critical situation and what it means for Ukraine’s future.
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Why Did Russia Target Ukraine's Energy Grid?
Russia's recent drone strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have raised many questions. Why did Russia target Ukraine's power supply, and what does this mean for the ongoing conflict? In this page, we explore the motives behind these attacks, how Ukraine and its allies are responding, and what the future might hold for Ukraine's energy security.
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What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the most pressing headlines shaping the world right now. From conflicts in Ukraine and Iran to regional tensions in Lebanon and legal battles in the US, these stories are impacting global stability and everyday life. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for you? Read on for clear, concise answers to your top questions about today's major news.
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What Are Russia's Latest Attacks on Ukraine and How Is the World Responding?
Russia's recent missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have escalated the ongoing conflict, causing widespread power outages and humanitarian concerns. Many wonder which regions are affected, how Ukraine is coping, and what the international community is doing in response. Here, we explore the latest developments, the global reaction, and what this means for the future of the conflict.
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Why Did Russia Target Ukraine’s Energy Grid?
Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have raised many questions. Why is Russia focusing on Ukraine’s power supplies, especially during winter? What are the strategic and humanitarian reasons behind these strikes? Understanding the motives and consequences of these attacks can help clarify the ongoing conflict and its broader implications.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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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
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Zaporizhzhia, Zaporizhia, or Zaporizhzhya, also known as Zaporozhye and formerly as Alexandrovsk or Oleksandrivsk, is a city in south-eastern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Dnipro. It is the administrative centre of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Zaporiz
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Yulia Svyrydenko has served as First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine and simultaneously Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine since 4 November 2021.
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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.