Russia Hammers Ukraine's Power Grid in Winter, Leaving Millions in the Cold

Russia Hammers Ukraine's Power Grid in Winter, Leaving Millions in the Cold A relentless Russian campaign targeting Ukraine's centralized energy infrastructure has plunged millions into darkness and cold during a brutal winter, creating a severe humanitarian crisis as diplomatic peace talks continue. In coordinated missile and drone attacks, Russian forces have struck power plants and electrical systems across the country, deliberately aiming to break civilian morale by cutting off heat, water, and electricity [58553][58413]. The assaults have left 1.2 million people without power in freezing conditions in a single wave and have caused blackouts in parts of the capital, Kyiv, lasting over 16 days [58412][58548]. The timing of the strikes has drawn international condemnation, with one European official accusing Russia of speaking "the language of terror" for launching a major attack while international officials were meeting for peace negotiations in the United Arab Emirates [58412][58413]. The crisis is exacerbated by Ukraine's Soviet-era infrastructure, which relies on large, centralized heating plants. When these facilities are hit, entire districts—thousands of apartments, hospitals, and schools—lose heat and hot water simultaneously [58213]. In Kyiv alone, nearly 1,700 high-rise buildings remain without central heating following months of attacks [58341]. Residents describe dire conditions. "The temperature inside is freezing," said Olena Zviahina, a resident of a damaged Kyiv apartment building who relies on candles and warm clothes to survive. She reported little available support, as neighbors and authorities struggle equally [58548]. Ukrainian officials have labeled the sustained attacks on the energy grid acts of genocide, intended to inflict maximum suffering on the civilian population [58548]. Foreign leaders have echoed calls for urgent assistance, specifically for enhanced air defense systems to protect Ukraine's critical infrastructure [58412]. Despite the onslaught, Ukraine has demonstrated an ability to strike back at strategic targets deep inside Russian territory. In a coordinated operation, Ukrainian forces recently hit a key fuel depot in Penza, approximately 600 kilometers from the border, and destroyed an advanced "Podlyot" radar station in occupied Crimea, challenging Russia's control over its rear areas [58417]. As the "energy war" intensifies, experts warn an immediate "electrical ceasefire" is needed to protect vulnerable populations, but no such respite appears forthcoming [58553]. The situation leaves a nation shivering in the dark, its civilian resilience becoming a central front in the conflict. "Russia Targets Ukraine's Power Grid in Winter" Russia Strikes Ukraine Cities as Peace Talks Open Kyiv Endures 16-Day Blackout as Peace Talks Continue **Russia Speaks "Language of Terror" in Blackout Strike During Peace Talks** Kyiv's Winter Crisis: 1,700 Towers Still Lack Heat After Attacks Kyiv Freezes Under Russian Strikes as War Talks Continue Cold War Heating Grid Leaves Ukrainian Cities Exposed Ukraine Strikes Deep: Russian Fuel and Radar Hit in Coordinated Blows