Russia Resumes Attacks Amid Kyiv’s Bitter Cold

As a week-long ceasefire declared by former US President Donald Trump came to an end, Russian forces have resumed attacks on Kyiv, despite freezing winter conditions, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Tuesday.

Temperatures across Ukraine’s key cities have plunged to extreme lows, with Kyiv experiencing night-time lows of −17°C and Kharkiv enduring −23°C. The bitter cold has compounded the humanitarian and infrastructural impact of the renewed assault.

Last Thursday, Trump had announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to halt attacks on Kyiv and other major cities during the harsh winter period. The Kremlin had subsequently confirmed that the ceasefire would remain in effect until Sunday. However, Ukrainian authorities insist that Moscow launched strikes even during this period, raising questions over the sincerity of the temporary truce.

Timur Takachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, took to Telegram to report:

“During a night of extreme cold, Russia launched another significant attack on Kyiv.”

He urged residents to seek shelter in designated safe zones and later confirmed that two civilians were injured in the capital as a result of the assault.

In eastern Ukraine, Oleg Synegubov, the regional military chief of Kharkiv, reported that two more individuals were wounded during Russian shelling. According to Synegubov, the bombardment primarily targeted energy infrastructure, aiming to inflict “maximum destruction and deprive the city of heat during heavy snowfall.”

The renewed attacks come as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine approaches its fourth anniversary on 24 February, a grim milestone marking years of conflict. Diplomats from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are scheduled to hold a second round of discussions in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, yet key territorial disputes remain unresolved. Russia continues to seek full control over the eastern Donetsk region, a move strongly rejected by Kyiv.

The extreme winter weather, combined with the resumption of attacks, has heightened concerns over civilian safety and energy security across Ukraine, placing additional strain on already stretched emergency services. Authorities continue to warn residents to take all precautionary measures and remain vigilant.

Key Details of Recent Russian Attacks