Russia Resumes Large-Scale Strikes in Ukraine Amid Freezing Weather

Russia Resumes Large-Scale Strikes in Ukraine Amid Freezing Weather

World Russia resumes large-scale Ukraine strikes in freezing weather Police officers inspect destroyed cars at the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Feb 3, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Stringer)

Kyiv Reports Major Attack on Energy Facilities

Kyiv officials reported that Russia launched 'the most powerful' attack this year on Ukraine's energy facilities overnight, leaving hundreds of thousands without heating in frigid temperatures ahead of talks to end the four-year war.

Impact on Civilians

Temperatures dropped to their lowest since the start of the war in February 2022, killing two teenagers in Zaporizhzhia and damaging a Soviet-era World War II monument. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the attack, stating Russia had 'once again disregarded the efforts of the American side.'

International Reactions

US President Donald Trump urged Vladimir Putin to 'end the war,' while NATO chief Mark Rutte criticized Russian attacks as not signaling seriousness about peace. Overnight explosions were heard across Kyiv, and residents in over 1,100 buildings woke without heating as temperatures dipped below minus 20°C.

Russia's military actions

Russia confirmed launching a massive strike targeting Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and energy facilities. The Kremlin had agreed to a US request not to strike Kyiv for seven days, ending Sunday. Ukraine reported several types of ballistic and cruise missiles hitting high-rise buildings and thermal power plants, leaving hundreds of thousands, including children, without heat in the harsh winter frosts.

Humanitarian Crisis

A drone strike on Zaporizhzhia killed two teenagers and wounded at least 11 people. The base of Kyiv's Motherland statue was damaged, with Culture Minister Tetyana Berezhna calling it 'symbolic and cynical.' Recent Russian strikes have repeatedly cut power and heating to tens of thousands of homes, also affecting Kharkiv. Overnight temperatures in Kyiv reached minus 19°C and minus 23°C in Kharkiv.

US Pushes for Settlement

US pushes for a settlement between the two sides, but talks in Abu Dhabi failed to yield progress. Russia demands Kyiv withdraw from Donetsk and is ready to seize eastern Ukraine by force if diplomacy fails.