Almost half of Kyiv without power after Russian attack

An overnight Russian aerial attack left thousands of residential buildings in Kyiv without heating and water in -14C temperatures on Tuesday -- another blow to a capital already reeling from strikes that have knocked out vital utilities.

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The large-scale bombardment, which targeted energy facilities across the country, killed at least one person -- a 50-year-old man -- near Kyiv.

AFP journalists in the capital heard air raid sirens and explosions as Ukrainian air defence systems responded to the drones and missiles.

"War criminal Putin continues to wage a genocidal war against women, children and elderly," Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga wrote on social media, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said Russian forces had targeted energy infrastructure in at least seven regions, and urged Ukraine’s allies to bolster its air defence systems.

"Putin’s barbaric strike this morning is a wakeup call to world leaders gathering in Davos," he said of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort.

"Support for the Ukrainian people is urgent. There will be no peace in Europe without a lasting peace for Ukraine."