Russian strikes knock out heat in freezing Kyiv as peace talks continue

"KYIV Thousands of apartment buildings in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv remain without heating, electricity and water once again, after Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukraine's two largest cities early Saturday morning. "Every such Russian strike on our energy infrastructure shows that there must be no delays in supplying air defense," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media. "We are counting on the reaction and assistance of all our allies.""

"The assault came as envoys from Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. held tripartite talks in the United Arab Emirates on ending Russia's long war on Ukraine. Zelenskyy said in a post on social media that the talks were "constructive" and that military representatives brought up issues to discuss. "Provided there is readiness to move forward and Ukraine is ready further meetings will take place, potentially as early as next week," he wrote."

"Despite the talks, Russia has continued to strike Ukraine's energy grid, inflicting severe damage during the coldest winter since the full-scale invasion nearly four years ago. Temperatures in Kyiv have often dipped below -10C (14F). NPR's bureau heard several attack drones flying over Kyiv early Saturday morning, along with air defense units trying to shoot them down. Explosions continued for several hours."

Thousands of apartment buildings in Kyiv remain without heating, electricity and water after Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukraine's two largest cities. The strikes killed at least one person and injured four others, and explosions and air-defense activity were heard for several hours. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said half of apartment buildings lost heating and many residents had only recently regained heat after earlier attacks on Jan. 9 and Jan. 20. Envoys from Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. held tripartite talks in the United Arab Emirates; Zelenskyy called the talks constructive and said further meetings could occur as early as next week. Russia has continued to hit Ukraine's energy grid during the coldest winter since the full-scale invasion, with temperatures often below -10C (14F). Kyiv relies on a massive centralized district heating system that supplies heat to thousands of apartment buildings, some as high as 25 stories.

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