Kyiv Heating Crisis Russian Strikes 2026: Half of Capital Freezes in -10C

A single night of air defense cost €80 million, yet half of Kyiv woke up in the dark and freezing cold. Russia's massive aerial assault has knocked out heating for the Ukrainian parliament and thousands of homes as temperatures plunge to -10C.

Kyiv Heating Crisis Russian Strikes 2026 Aftermath

According to Reuters, the strikes on January 19, 2026, targeted critical infrastructure across Ukraine. In the capital alone, over 5,600 residential buildings were left without heating or water. The city administration reported that 10,000 people, including 800 children, sought refuge in metro stations during the alerts. The attack resulted in 4 deaths and 33 injuries nationwide.

Zelensky Stays as Defense Costs Soar

President Volodymyr Zelensky canceled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos to manage the crisis. He stated he'd only travel if security guarantees with the United States were ready for signing. Zelensky emphasized that Russia is using far more ballistic missiles, and Kyiv's safety depends on the unity of Europe and America in providing timely missile deliveries.

Residents are finding innovative ways to survive, using portable stoves and pooling money for generators. However, Mayor Vitalii Klitschko noted that much of the work done to restore power after the January 9 attack was undone in minutes. For many, this is the harshest winter since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.