Russia launches massive attacks on Ukraine's energy system, causing widespread blackouts

Russia carried out a large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, damaging power plants and heating facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said all of Ukraine's power plants were damaged, and officials in Kyiv warned residents could have only 4 to 6 hours of electricity daily in February.

Zelenskyy accused Russia of exploiting a pause in attacks on energy targets and said the strikes would force Ukraine to adjust its approach to peace negotiations. The attacks left thousands of people without power during freezing temperatures, with reports of deaths from hypothermia.

Zelenskyy stated Russia was largely observing an 'energy ceasefire' ahead of planned talks, but later said Russia was 'not ready' for such a truce. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited a damaged energy site in Kyiv as repair crews worked to restore power.