Russian air strikes cut power to over one million households in Kyiv and damaged substations linked to Ukraine's nuclear plants, raising alarms from Kyiv and the IAEA about nuclear safety. The assault — reported as more than 330 drones and nearly three dozen missiles — killed four people and left many buildings without heating amid subzero temperatures. Authorities deployed repair brigades and opened emergency warming stations while warning of broader damage to the power grid.
Russian Strike Plunges Kyiv Into Cold, Damages Nuclear-Linked Infrastructure, IAEA Warns
A woman serves meals to residents inside a tent of a government-run humanitarian aid point during a power blackout after critical civil infrastructure was hit by overnight Russian missile and drone strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Anatolii Stepanov
A large Russian air assault on Tuesday cut power to more than one million households in Kyiv and damaged substations that carry electricity from Ukraine's nuclear plants, prompting Ukrainian authorities and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to warn of heightened nuclear safety risks.
Attack, Casualties and Damage
Drone and missile strikes hit sites across eastern, southern and northern Ukraine. Kyiv said the attack involved more than 330 drones and nearly three dozen missiles. Four people were killed — three in Zaporizhzhia and one in the Kyiv region — and widespread damage left thousands of buildings without heating as temperatures fell to about -13°C (9°F).
Nuclear-Linked Infrastructure Affected
The IAEA reported that several substations critical for nuclear safety were affected and that power lines servicing other nuclear plants were disrupted. Ukraine, which receives well over half its electricity from nuclear generation, said the Chornobyl site briefly lost all off-site power before being reconnected later that day.
Humanitarian Response and Repairs
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said more than one million households in Kyiv remained without power and more than 4,000 apartment buildings lost heating. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said 68 repair brigades had been deployed and authorities opened over 1,400 emergency warming-and-charging stations for residents. Kyiv reported that water service east of the Dnipro was briefly disrupted but later restored.
Wider Context and Diplomatic Fallout
Officials said the strikes came as U.S. and Ukrainian envoys held follow-up peace consultations in a U.S.-backed diplomatic push. Kyiv called for increased Western pressure and tougher sanctions, with President Zelenskiy noting some missiles appeared newly produced this year.
Ukrenergo reported roughly 8.5 gigawatts of generation capacity damaged since late October; authorities said the attacks targeted both power generation and distribution infrastructure.
Emergency teams continued repairs as Kyiv and other regions managed the immediate humanitarian needs and the longer-term risks to nuclear safety and the power grid.
A man gives a meal to a woman inside a tent of a government-run humanitarian aid point during a power blackout after critical civil infrastructure was hit by overnight Russian missile and drone strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Anatolii Stepanov
A resident stands near tents of a government-run humanitarian aid points, where residents can warm up, charge their devices, get hot drinks and psychological support, installed next to apartment buildings, during a power blackout after critical civil infrastructure was hit by overnight Russian missile and drone strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Anatolii Stepanov
People take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
People take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
People take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
People take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
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