"Half of Kiev's apartment buildings, nearly 6,000 structures, currently lack heating. This follows extensive damage to critical infrastructure in the capital from a large-scale enemy attack," Kiev Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko announced on social media today. "I urge residents of the capital who are able to temporarily leave the city for locations with alternative electricity and heating."

Temperatures in Kiev have dropped to -8 degrees C and are expected to fall further.

The Russian military launched a large-scale, coordinated attack on the night of 8/1, employing precision weapons from warships and ground platforms, including Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missiles, along with long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These strikes targeted critical infrastructure across Ukraine.

A building in Kiev, Ukraine, damaged after the Russian attack on the night of 8/1. Photo: AFP.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the operation retaliated for "an attack on President Vladimir Putin's residence in Novgorod province on 29/12/2025". Russia stated the targets were facilities manufacturing UAVs for the Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure supporting the opposing defense industry. Ukraine has denied allegations of targeting Mr. Putin's residence.

AFP reporters observed Kiev residents scrambling for shelter as air raid sirens blared. Unmanned aerial vehicles exploded while targeting apartment buildings, and missiles roared through the sky.

Kiev officials reported that four people died and 24 were injured in the Russian attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that 20 apartment buildings in the capital sustained damage, and a Russian UAV damaged the Qatar embassy building.

President Zelensky posted on social media, stating: "The world needs a clear response, primarily from the US. Russia must receive a signal demanding they focus on diplomacy and must face consequences every time they choose to attack people and infrastructure."

Across the border in Russia's Belgorod province, officials reported that over half a million people experienced power outages or lacked heating following a Kiev attack targeting the region's utility infrastructure.

By Huyen Le (According to AFP)