Kyiv awoke to darkness, freezing temperatures, and the echo of overnight explosions after one of the most intense Russian attacks on Ukraine’s capital in recent months. Following a massive wave of missile and drone strikes, Ukrainian officials confirmed that nearly one-third of Kyiv’s residents are without electricity, leaving thousands without heating during the depths of winter.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the assault as a “massive bombing” targeting residential neighborhoods and critical energy infrastructure, a strategy that has increasingly defined Russia’s military campaign. With temperatures well below freezing, the power outages pose a serious humanitarian risk, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable populations.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed that at least one person was killed and 30 others injured in the overnight strikes. Emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish fires, rescue trapped residents, and evacuate civilians from heavily damaged buildings.

Photos from the scene show apartment blocks with gaping holes, shattered windows, and flames licking the upper floors of high-rise buildings. One such building belonged to BBC journalist Anastasiya Gribanova, who narrowly escaped injury after the strike hit while she was inside the elevator.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that 68 residents were evacuated from a retirement home in Kyiv’s eastern Darnytskyi district, underscoring the indiscriminate impact of the attack on civilian infrastructure.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence acknowledged responsibility for the attack, stating it had launched a “massive retaliatory strike” using long-range precision weapons fired from land, air, and sea. Moscow claimed the targets were energy facilities allegedly supporting Ukraine’s armed forces and military-industrial complex.

However, Ukrainian authorities strongly rejected this justification. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia launched nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles, many of which struck civilian and energy infrastructure rather than military targets.

“Russia does not want to end the war,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram. “It is using every opportunity to inflict more pain on Ukraine.”

The attack has reignited concerns over Ukraine’s energy security, a recurring theme throughout the war. Russia has repeatedly targeted power grids, heating systems, and fuel depots, especially during winter months, in what analysts describe as a strategy to weaken civilian morale.

With thousands without power in Kyiv, emergency generators are being deployed to hospitals and shelters, but officials warn that continued strikes could overwhelm repair crews and worsen outages across the capital.

The strikes also triggered heightened alert levels beyond Ukraine’s borders. Poland, which shares a 530km border with western Ukraine, scrambled fighter jets and activated ground-based air defence and radar systems overnight.

Poland’s Armed Forces stated the move was precautionary, aimed at protecting Polish airspace amid the regional threat. Later, officials confirmed that no violation of Polish airspace had occurred.

Meanwhile, Russia claimed its air defences destroyed seven Ukrainian drones overnight, reflecting the continued tit-for-tat nature of aerial warfare in the region.

The attack came just hours before President Zelensky’s departure for Florida, where he is scheduled to meet Donald Trump for discussions widely framed as potential peace talks. On Saturday, Zelensky is also expected to join EU leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a high-level phone call to discuss next steps toward ending the war.

Zelensky recently unveiled a new 20-point peace draft, a revised version of an earlier proposal that critics said favored Russia. The updated plan reportedly includes security guarantees from the US, NATO, and European allies, as well as provisions for a coordinated military response should Russia invade again.

One of the most contentious issues—control of eastern Donbas—remains unresolved, though Zelensky has suggested the creation of a “free economic zone” as a potential compromise.

Trump, speaking to Politico, said he expects to review the draft soon, adding: “I think it’s going to go good with him. I think it’s going to go good with Putin.”

As Kyiv residents cope with power cuts, damaged homes, and freezing temperatures, Ukraine’s leadership continues to push for stronger international action. “Daggers and Shaheds are speaking louder than diplomacy,” Zelensky wrote, urging allies in America and Europe to respond with decisive measures.

For now, the lights remain off for thousands in Kyiv—another stark reminder that despite diplomatic momentum, the Ukraine war, the Russian attack on Kyiv, and the energy infrastructure crisis show no signs of ending.