Ukraine’s capital was shaken as Putin hit Kyiv with explosions, as reports emerged of blasts in the city at 7:50 a.m. local time on January 14, 2026, triggered by a wave of Russian drones.
Officials confirmed that Ukrainian air defences were actively responding to intercept the threats over the capital, while a journalist on the ground with the Kyiv Independent verified the explosions.
Reportedly, a Shahed drone struck a high-rise residential building, likely in the Obolon district, igniting a fire in one of the apartments.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to contain the blaze and assist residents.
The attack comes amid Russia’s intensified winter campaign targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, following overnight drone strikes in Kryvyi Rih that left 45,000 residents without power, and recent missile barrages causing 70% outages in Kyiv.
Kyiv Under Repeated Attacks Amid Russian Drone and Missile Strikes
Between January 5 and 6, 2026, overnight combined missile and drone strikes set power plants ablaze, including TPP-6, resulting in major power outages across Kyiv and surrounding areas.
The town of Slavutych was reported to be completely without electricity, while nearby regions such as Chernihiv also sustained damage.
From January 8 to 9, 2026, Kyiv endured a massive aerial barrage consisting of over 242 drones, 22 cruise missiles, and 13 ballistic missiles.
The attacks killed at least four people in the capital, including victims of “double-tap” strikes targeting rescuers.
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More than 25 people were injured, and extensive damage was recorded to residential buildings and the energy grid, leaving hundreds of thousands without power or heating.
Some reports indicated up to 6,000 buildings initially without heating, with conditions gradually improving but remaining critical.
During the January 12–13 overnight strikes, a combined force of 293 drones and over 18 missiles targeted Ukraine, with Kyiv heavily affected.
Ballistic missiles struck energy infrastructure, causing 70% of the city to lose power for hours. Fires, blackouts, and heating shortages persisted in hundreds of buildings.
The Deputy Energy Minister noted that Russia was “going all-in” on destroying the energy system.
Russian Winter Attack Drones, Missiles Hit Civilian Infrastructure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported severe conditions across multiple regions following intensified Russian strikes on critical infrastructure.
According to his X statement shared on January 11, he confirmed that attacks have disrupted electricity, heating, and water supplies amid freezing winter temperatures.
Also Read: Ex‑Ukraine PM Warns Trump Against Sending Tomahawk Missiles to Kyiv
He detailed a significant escalation in the volume and variety of Russian weapons used over the course of one week.
Additionally, he stated that Russia launched almost 1,100 attack drones, more than 890 guided aerial bombs, and over 50 missiles.
According to the Ukrainian president, the attacks were timed to coincide with freezing weather, a move the described as intentional.
He described the campaign as “deliberate, cynical Russian terror specifically against civilians,” emphasising the humanitarian impact of targeting power, heating, and water systems during winter.
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