‘They Want to Break Us’: Russian Energy Grid Strikes Give Freezing Kyiv Some of Its Darkest Days

Kyiv is facing one of its coldest winters in recent memory—and Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid have plunged the city into literal and figurative darkness. With freezing temperatures, residents are coping without electricity, heat, or hot water, as a deliberate campaign targets the city’s infrastructure.

The human toll is immense, but amid the chaos, Ukrainians are showing resilience and determination, proving that even when the lights go out, their spirit doesn’t.

Winter Warfare: Targeting the Grid

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, civilian infrastructure has often been in the crosshairs. The latest strikes, however, appear intentionally timed to hit during the harshest winter months. Power stations, substations, and transmission lines have all been targeted, leaving millions vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

On January 13, 2026, Ukraine reported a massive assault on its energy grid. Nearly 300 drones, 18 ballistic missiles, and seven cruise missiles were fired at eight regions, including Kyiv. Local officials described it as the worst outage the city has faced this winter.

Entire neighborhoods went without electricity for days. Apartment buildings lost central heating, elevators stopped working, and water systems faltered. Residents had to improvise with small heaters or turn to emergency warming centers set up by the city.

The Daily Struggle for Civilians

Life without power in Kyiv means more than just darkness. Families struggle to cook, stay warm, and communicate. Parents like Tetiana Shkred say, “The cold isn’t just outside—it’s inside our homes.”

Supermarkets and cafes operate on limited hours, schools have closed in some areas, and public transport is disrupted. Fuel for generators is running low, and the stress on daily life is mounting. Yet, community volunteers and neighbors have stepped in, creating shared heating points and delivering essential supplies, offering a lifeline amid the cold.

Officials from Ukrenergo, the national energy operator, warned that these attacks are part of a deliberate strategy to “disconnect the city” and wear down morale. “They want to break us,” they said—words that resonate deeply with many Kyiv residents determined not to leave their homes.

Weaponizing Winter

Experts describe the attacks as a form of “weaponizing winter.” By targeting energy infrastructure when demand for heat is highest, the strategy exerts both physical and psychological pressure on civilians.

This pattern isn’t new. During the past two winters, strikes have caused rolling blackouts and reduced daily power availability in many regions. Key facilities, like the Trypilska thermal power plant, were permanently disabled in 2024, leaving the energy system fragile and vulnerable.

The intent is clear: not just to disrupt military operations, but to destabilize civilian life, eroding morale and making survival in sub-zero conditions a daily struggle.

The Human Cost

Without electricity, water, and heat, daily life becomes a constant challenge. In high-rise buildings, elevators stall, water pumps fail, and even charging phones can be difficult. Families improvise with candles, small stoves, and borrowed heaters.

Despite the hardships, Ukrainians are finding ways to help each other. Volunteers distribute food, fuel, and medical supplies. The city has opened “Points of Invincibility”—emergency shelters offering warmth, charging stations, and other essential services. While these measures can’t fully replace electricity, they are crucial for survival.

Global Support and Ukrainian Resilience

The international community has condemned the attacks, providing air-defense systems to intercept missiles and drones, and delivering humanitarian aid to those affected. But despite this support, the scale of the attacks challenges Ukraine’s defenses.

Yet, Kyiv’s residents remain resilient. Community efforts, volunteer networks, and local initiatives have become lifelines, offering hope and sustenance amid one of the city’s darkest winters.

As one local leader put it, the struggle isn’t just to survive—it’s to show that Kyiv cannot be broken.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing winter strikes highlight the brutality of modern warfare, where civilians are often caught in the line of fire. For Kyiv, the challenge is both physical and psychological: enduring freezing temperatures while maintaining hope and daily life.

But the city’s response underscores a powerful truth: even in darkness, Kyiv’s spirit remains unbroken. Through community support, emergency initiatives, and sheer determination, the capital stands as a symbol of resilience.

In these dark days, Kyiv is not just surviving—it’s showing the world what it means to endure, even when the odds seem insurmountable.