Russian Strikes on Kharkiv's Power Grid Leave 820 Buildings Without Heat in Deep Freeze

Latest Developments in the Attacks on Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: Russian forces continue their aerial assault on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and Kharkiv. According to the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Serhiy Tkachenko, attacks initiated as of 3:40 a.m. caused damage in five districts of the capital. In Kharkiv, strikes were directed at energy infrastructure, forcing local authorities to take emergency measures to prevent the district heating system from freezing solid.

Impact of the Attacks in Kyiv

Damage from the attacks in Kyiv has been recorded in the following districts:

• Darnytskyi district: A fire broke out in a non-residential building, with additional damage to 25-story and 5-story apartment blocks.
• Desnianskyi district: A non-residential building was damaged.
• Dniprovskyi district: Remnants of enemy objects were found at two open locations, with damage also reported to a kindergarten's grounds and a 5-story residential building.
• Pecherskyi district: A gas station was hit, damaging the station's building and several parked cars.
• Shevchenkivskyi district: A 22-story residential building was damaged.

In Kharkiv, where attacks lasted over three hours, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported strikes on energy infrastructure. To prevent the heating mains from freezing, coolant must be drained from the supply system serving 820 buildings connected to one of the city's largest combined heat and power plants. These attacks form part of a wider Russian campaign to target civilian energy supplies during winter, aiming to inflict maximum hardship on the population.

“I understand how difficult this is in minus twenty-degree Celsius frost. But this unprecedented attack on critical infrastructure leaves no other option. Our specialists see no other way out,” stated Ihor Terekhov.

Currently, 101 'Invincibility Points' are operating around the clock in Kharkiv to support residents. Disruptions to the city's electric transport are also possible, and additional bus routes are being launched to improve the situation.

These strikes on critical infrastructure underscore the Russian strategy of destabilizing life in Ukrainian cities, particularly during winter. In response, Ukrainian authorities are implementing measures to ensure public safety and comfort, deploying Invincibility Points and adapting the transport system. These events also point to escalating frontline tensions, with severe consequences for civilians facing the realities of war. Under such conditions, the support and preparedness of local authorities become critically important for maintaining urban life.