Russian missiles and drones struck Odesa and Kharkiv overnight, killing at least two people and injuring 23 in Odesa while cutting power to large parts of Kharkiv. Ukraine said more than 160 drones were launched overall, with most intercepted by air defences. Energy facilities were heavily damaged—DTEK reported "colossal destruction" in Odesa and Naftogaz recorded its 15th hit this month. President Zelenskiy warned the strikes undermine diplomatic efforts as negotiators prepare for new U.S.-brokered talks.
At Least Two Dead, Kharkiv Largely Without Power After Russian Missile and Drone Strikes; Odesa Hit by 50+ Drones
A classroom inside a building of a school which was hit during late evening Russian missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine January 26, 2026. REUTERS/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy
Russian missiles and drones struck multiple Ukrainian cities overnight, Ukrainian officials said, killing at least two people and wounding 23 in the Black Sea port of Odesa while cutting electricity to much of Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city.
Rescuers work at the site of an apartment building hit during overnight Russian strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine January 27, 2026. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Odesa region/Handout via REUTERS
The strikes are part of what Kyiv and Western officials describe as Moscow's winter campaign targeting Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure as negotiators prepare for a new round of U.S.-brokered talks aimed at ending nearly four years of war.
A rescuer carries a resident from an apartment building hit during overnight Russian strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine January 27, 2026. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Odesa region/Handout via REUTERS
Casualties and Damage in Odesa
Odesa regional authorities said two people were killed and 23 wounded when the city was struck overnight. Serhiy Lysak, head of Odesa's military administration, posted images showing two apartment blocks heavily damaged—one with a shattered facade and another ripped open across much of its length. Governor Oleh Kiper said two children and a pregnant woman were among the wounded. Several apartments in multi-storey buildings, a church, a kindergarten and a high school suffered damage.
Rescuers work at the site of an apartment building hit during overnight Russian strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine January 27, 2026. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Odesa region/Handout via REUTERS
Private power provider DTEK said the attack caused the "colossal destruction" of an energy facility in Odesa, worsening the impact on local services and residents.
Rescuers and a police officer work at the site of an apartment building hit during overnight Russian strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine January 27, 2026. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Odesa region/Handout via REUTERS
Widespread Power Outages in Kharkiv
In Kharkiv, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that a combined missile and drone attack had cut electricity to about 80% of the city and the surrounding region. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov told Ukrainian television that roughly 40% of consumers remained without power, underscoring uneven service restoration during ongoing strikes and winter weather.
Emergency employees work at the site of a school hit during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine January 26, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Vitalii Hnidyi
Drone Swarm and Air Defences
Ukraine's air force said Russian forces launched 165 drones overnight; Ukrainian air defences neutralised 135 of them. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said more than 50 drones were launched specifically against Odesa, calling the assault a "brutal" attack that undermines diplomatic efforts.
Other Targets and Civilian Precautions
In the Lviv region in western Ukraine, local officials reported a strike on infrastructure in the city of Brody that produced heavy smoke and a strong odor from burning oil products. Schools in Brody cancelled classes and officials urged residents to stay indoors and seal doors and windows. Separately, state oil and gas firm Naftogaz said a Russian strike hit one of its western facilities, marking the 15th deliberate attack on its infrastructure this month.
Diplomatic Context
Russian and Ukrainian delegations are due to meet in a U.S.-brokered round of talks on Sunday after recent discussions in Abu Dhabi. Writing on X, President Zelenskiy urged Kyiv's allies to increase pressure on Moscow and warned that continued strikes erode ongoing diplomacy.
"Every such Russian strike erodes the diplomacy that is still ongoing and undermines the efforts of partners who are helping to end this war," Zelenskiy wrote.
Reporting credits: Anna Pruchnicka, Dan Peleschuk and Ron Popeski. Editing by Reuters contributors. All casualty and damage figures are based on official Ukrainian statements and local authorities at the time of reporting.
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