(KYIV) – Ukrainian forces are advancing in Kupiansk, encircling several hundred Russian troops in the town centre, in what local military observers describe as a significant victory. The Hearty Brigade, a NATO-style formation operating independently within Ukraine’s armed forces, led the counteroffensive. These troops, native to the Kharkiv region, have reclaimed areas infiltrated by Russian forces and now hold a tactical advantage.
Kyiv is simultaneously facing a severe energy crisis. Following repeated Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, almost half the city is without electricity and heating during a bitter cold spell. Nighttime temperatures have fallen to minus 18°C, with daytime highs around minus 11°C. Without heating, frozen pipes and disrupted water supplies have worsened living conditions, creating a humanitarian strain for residents.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged citizens to leave Kyiv if possible to reduce demand on the fragile infrastructure. Approximately 600,000 residents have already departed from the city’s three million population. Authorities have established temporary heated shelters using coal and generators to provide warmth. Curfew measures have been relaxed to allow citizens to access these points safely.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained that Ukraine’s limited air defences contributed to the impact of recent Russian strikes. Newly arrived missiles are helping to intercept drones, though ballistic missiles remain difficult to counter due to Russia’s combined attacks using drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic projectiles.
Political tensions have also emerged between Kyiv’s mayor and the central government. Since Zelenskyy’s election in 2019, he and Klitschko have not held meetings to coordinate on city protection. Analysts note that lack of collaboration risks undermining the response to Russian attacks. Corruption scandals involving the mishandling of electricity substations have further complicated recovery efforts.
Zelenskyy recently reshuffled senior officials, appointing General Kyrylo Budanov to the presidential office and Mikail Fedorov as Minister of Defence. Budanov, a military intelligence veteran with strong US connections, is expected to strengthen Ukraine’s position in international negotiations. Fedorov, 34, is tasked with modernising Ukraine’s armed forces, integrating drones and AI into battlefield operations, and reducing reliance on infantry in frontline combat.
Residents of Kyiv have shown resilience amid the energy crisis. Local communities have adapted with outdoor gatherings and open-fire cooking to stay warm, reflecting a “blitz spirit” of mutual support. While the reshuffle has been welcomed as a step toward modernised warfare and stronger foreign relations, officials acknowledge that ongoing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure remain a major concern.
Negotiations with Russia continue to focus on contested territories and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains a critical element of Ukraine’s energy security. The Russian occupation of the plant complicates potential agreements, as Ukrainian technicians are reportedly held against their will, and the facility relies on US-supplied fuel.
Western allies are supporting Ukraine with decentralised power generation and intelligence sharing, but Ukraine continues to rely heavily on US-produced missiles and NATO-standard equipment. Coordination with European and American partners remains central to both national security and ongoing conflict management.
