Russia steps up Ukraine strikes as polar cold grips the country

One of the tents set up for Kyiv residents to warm up in, after Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, on January 13, 2026. EFREM LUKATSKY/AP

The Russian military is taking advantage of the recent Arctic cold snap that has struck Ukraine to intensify its airstrikes' impact on major urban centers' power systems. About 70% of Kyiv was left without electricity on Tuesday, January 13, according to Ukrenergo, the state-owned power grid operator, after another massive Russian air attack the night before.

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Kyiv, the sleepless city under bombardment

Russia is "throwing all its forces" at destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure after the second large-scale attack in under a week, Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk told the online news outlet Liga.net.