Kyiv is enduring one of its darkest periods as Russian strikes on energy infrastructure coincide with a severe cold snap, leaving residents without power, water, and heating in temperatures as low as -19°C. The city is scrambling to provide relief through warming centers and humanitarian aid while facing ongoing attacks that aim to cripple civilian morale and infrastructure.
On the night of January 9, 2026, a massive Russian air raid targeted Ukraine’s energy grid, particularly affecting Kyiv’s left bank, where substations were hit and up to 70% of the city was left without electricity. This attack, described as having an impact rivaling the early weeks of the full-scale invasion, was followed by further strikes, exacerbating the crisis. Residents like Tetiana Shkred were forced to cook at midnight in anticipation of power cuts, highlighting the precariousness of daily life.
The bitter cold, with daytime temperatures dropping to -12°C and nights reaching -19°C, has compounded the humanitarian emergency. Without electricity, many apartments lose heating and water, forcing families to huddle in thermal clothing and share beds for warmth. Emergency services have set up warming tents across the city, providing hot food and shelter, but for some areas, power has been out for days, and recovery is slow.
Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s state grid operator, stated that Russia’s intention is to ‘disconnect the city’ and force civilians to evacuate, a strategy that has intensified with the winter weather. This is part of a broader pattern of attacks on energy infrastructure that has caused blackouts in other cities like Odesa and Dnipro, straining repair efforts and spare parts availability. The United Nations reports that these strikes have pushed civilians deeper into a winter crisis, with millions in need of assistance.
In response, local authorities and humanitarian organizations are mobilizing. Warming centers in schools and community spaces offer respite, and volunteers distribute essentials. However, challenges persist, such as failed generators in businesses and the psychological toll on residents, who express determination to endure despite the hardships. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, has advised some residents to leave the city temporarily, but many remain, relying on community support.
The situation underscores the broader context of the war, where both sides are engaged in intense hostilities, with rising civilian casualties and violations. The UN has highlighted systematic torture of prisoners of war and deteriorating living conditions in frontline areas. For Kyiv, the energy crisis is not just a momentary disruption but a sustained assault on civilian resilience, aiming to break morale through deprivation and cold.
As the cold snap continues, the immediate focus is on restoring power and providing humanitarian aid. International partners are being called upon for support, but with Russian attacks ongoing, the future remains uncertain. The crisis in Kyiv serves as a stark reminder of the war’s impact on everyday life, where survival hinges on basic utilities and collective endurance in the face of adversity.
