Kyiv Faces Severe Heating Crisis Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks

As of February 15, 2026, approximately 1,600 buildings in Kyiv remain without heat following a series of Russian attacks on the city's energy infrastructure. This situation has emerged during a particularly harsh winter, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -20 degrees Celsius. The attacks have left around 1,100 residential buildings and 500 other structures without heating, exacerbating an already dire energy crisis in Ukraine, which has been ongoing since the onset of the war in February 2022.

The Straits Times

The recent barrage of strikes on February 12 targeted critical infrastructure, resulting in significant damage to the Darnytska thermal power plant, a key facility for heating and electricity generation. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that while heating has been restored to 2,100 buildings, 500 multi-storey buildings still lack heat due to the extensive damage caused by the attacks. In total, 2,600 buildings across four districts were affected, highlighting the vulnerability of Kyiv's Soviet-era heating system, which relies on centralized thermal power plants.

Euromaiden PressThe GuardianNaharnet

The ongoing energy crisis in Kyiv is not just a local issue; it reflects a broader pattern of Russian military strategy aimed at crippling Ukraine's infrastructure. The centralized heating system, which serves large neighborhoods, is particularly susceptible to such attacks. With all thermal power plants targeted during the conflict, the situation has left many residents cold and without electricity, leading to frequent blackouts lasting several hours each day.

The Guardian

In addition to the heating crisis in Kyiv, other cities like Odesa and Dnipro have also suffered from significant power outages. Nearly 300,000 people in Odesa were reported to be without power and water, while over 10,000 consumers in Dnipro faced similar heating challenges. The European Commission has responded by deploying emergency generators to assist affected areas.

The Guardian

Critics of the Russian military strategy argue that these attacks constitute a violation of humanitarian norms, particularly as they target civilian infrastructure during extreme weather conditions. The Ukrainian government has condemned the strikes as acts of aggression that exacerbate the suffering of civilians, particularly vulnerable populations who are most affected by the lack of heating and electricity.

The Straits Times

Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko emphasized the ongoing efforts of municipal services to restore heat to affected buildings, stating, "We are working around the clock to resume heat supply to the remaining apartment blocks." Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba noted the extensive damage to infrastructure across various regions, indicating a coordinated effort by Russia to disrupt essential services.

Euromaiden Press

• “After last night's massive attack, due to damage to critical infrastructure targeted by the enemy, nearly 2,600 more buildings in the capital have been left without heat,” — Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv

Naharnet

• “An oil terminal in southern Russia and the Pantsir-S1 air defence system in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea has been hit,” — Ukrainian General Staff

The Straits Times

There are discrepancies in the reported number of buildings affected by the heating crisis. While some sources indicate that 3,500 apartment buildings in Kyiv are without heating, others report figures closer to 1,600. This inconsistency highlights the challenges in accurately assessing the full impact of the ongoing conflict on civilian infrastructure.

Euromaiden Press

As the situation develops, the humanitarian implications of these attacks continue to raise concerns, prompting calls for increased international support and intervention to assist those affected by the crisis.

The Straits Times