Russia Launches Extensive Attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv After Winter Ceasefire Ends

International Desk: PNN

Russia has launched new large-scale attacks targeting energy and electricity infrastructure in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and the second-largest city, Kharkiv. Ukrainian authorities stated that these attacks began immediately after a short-term winter ceasefire ended.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that from Monday night to early Tuesday, Russia launched at least 450 drones and over 60 missiles. He alleged that Russia intensified attacks on electricity and heating facilities while waiting for extreme cold to set in. Temperatures in various parts of the country have fallen to minus 17 degrees Celsius.

At least two people were injured in Kyiv and another two in Kharkiv, according to local officials. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that nearly 1,170 residential buildings in the capital lost heating connections due to the attacks. Citizens were advised to stay in safe shelters.

Kyiv City Military Administration Chief Timur Takachenko said, “Large-scale attacks targeted the city amidst extreme cold.” He claimed at least five areas were damaged, including three residential buildings and one kindergarten. Social media videos show upper floors of an apartment building on fire.

Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov said the purpose of the attacks was to leave the city in maximum destruction and without heating during the severe winter. Following the attack, authorities had to temporarily shut down heating supply in about 820 buildings to prevent network congestion.

Additionally, power outages occurred in Izyum and Balakliia cities of Kharkiv region, according to state media. In southeastern Zaporizhzhia, a drone attack killed a 38-year-old woman, local administration reported.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had announced that Russia agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Ukrainian cities due to severe winter. However, Moscow said this ceasefire was only for a short period and would remain effective until Sunday. Ukraine claimed that Russia did not fully stop attacks even after the announcement.

Amid this situation, on Wednesday, representatives from Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for a new round of talks mediated by the United States. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, “For Russia, attacking civilians in harsh winter is more important than diplomacy.”

Overall, this attack, occurring just before possible peace talks, has heightened tensions in the Ukraine crisis and worsened the humanitarian situation during extreme cold.