A residential block damaged by Russian strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine, January 9, 2026

Monday’s Coverage: Energy Situation “Challenging” as Russia Continues Missile and Drone Strikes

UPDATE 1304 GMT:

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has posted an update on Russia’s strikes on energy infrastructure.

Zelensky reported an assault with ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 300 attack drones across the country. He said air defenses, bolstered by missile deliveries on Sunday, had “helped significantly” with interceptions. However, “missiles for Patriots, NASAMS, and other air defense systems are critically needed”.

It is important that the world does not remain silent about this. Russia cannot be on an equal footing with other countries in the world as long as it is focused solely on killing and tormenting people.

Zelensky spoke again with officials about the maintenance of energy facilities amid the Russian assaults.

The President has also convened today with the Ukrainian delegation who were in talks in Florida over the weekend.

Today’s Russian strike and its consequences clearly outline the priorities: first and foremost, reinforcement of our air defense, recovery after the strikes, and real coordination on the ground and with partners.

UPDATE 1251 GMT:

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the Kremlin shows “no sign of abating [attacks],…remorse,…seeking peace”.

On the contrary: Russia is intensifying its attacks, killing civilians every day. Just last week, its bombing of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure left millions facing darkness, cold, and water shortages. This must end.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the European Union’s recent decisions to fund Ukraine, including a €90 billion ($105.5 billion) loan into 2017, “reaffirm Europe’s unwavering commitment to the security, the defence and the European future of Ukraine”.

Europe “will always stand with Ukraine until there is a just and lasting peace,” she assured.

UPDATE 0750 GMT:

The processing of oil by Russian refineries has fallen to its lowest level since 2010.

An oil industry official said that from August to November 2025, refineries received a total of 85.9 million tons of oil, compared to 90 million tons during the same period in 2024.

Analysts told the Russian publication that the drop was due to unscheduled repairs at refineries following a “series of external influences” in the second half of 2025 — a reference to Ukrainian drone attacks.

UPDATE 0707 GMT:

Ukraine’s State security service SBU has captured a Russian soldier who shot and killed nine Ukrainian prisoners of war in October 2024, says President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Prosecutor General’s office has been investigating the killing of the surrendered POWs in Russia’s Kursk region amid a Ukrainian cross-border incursion.

“We will find every Russian murderer,” Zelensky said. “Every single one will be held accountable.”

ORIGINAL ENTRY: President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a “new approach” to air defenses amid intense Russian missile and drone strikes trying to break Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

In his nightly address to the nation, Zelensky said the plans include mobile fire groups, interceptor drones, and other short-range air defense assets. “The system will be transformed,” he pledged.

Zelensky announced the appointment of a new Deputy Air Force Commander, Pavlo Yelizarov, to oversee and develop the innovation.

The President warned Ukrainians to be “extremely vigilant” and to “be prepared to respond as quickly as possible and help people”: “Russia has prepared for a strike, a massive strike, and is waiting for the moment to carry it out.”

Overnight Russian strikes again targeted Kyiv, as the capital tries to complete restoration of power and heating after a massive assault 11 days ago. Explosions were heard around 2 a.m. The Air Force warned of a second drone wave around 5 a.m., and approaching missiles at 6:30.

Water was cut to premises on the left bank of the Dnipro River, and 5,635 multi-story buildings are without heat amid freezing building, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

Klitschko said almost 80% of affected buildings had regained heat supply after Russia’s strikes on January 9.

Explosions were been reported in the city of Rivne in western Ukraine; Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia in the south; and the Kharkiv region in the northeast.

Zelensky declared a state of emergency in the energy sector on January 14 because of the attacks.