A Russian missile strike has destroyed a central heating facility in Kharkiv, cutting off heat supply to over 53,000 people. The attack, which targeted vital civilian infrastructure, raises urgent concerns as Ukraine prepares for colder months.

Russian Strike Destroys Major Heating Facility in Kharkiv, 53,000 Left Without Heat Supply

Kharkiv, Ukraine – July 26, 2025 — A critical heating facility serving more than 53,000 residents in Kharkiv has been destroyed following a Russian missile strike early Friday morning. The targeted attack on the city’s infrastructure marks another deliberate effort by Russian forces to undermine civilian life as Ukraine braces for the upcoming colder months.

According to the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, the strike occurred around 3:00 a.m., hitting a large boiling room (central heating plant) responsible for supplying heat and hot water to residential buildings, schools, and hospitals in several districts of the city. The facility was completely destroyed by the impact, leaving tens of thousands without access to heating services.

"Preliminary information confirms that the enemy targeted critical civilian infrastructure," said Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov in a public statement. "The boiling room that served over 53,000 people has been completely destroyed. This is not just an attack on a building, it’s an attack on the city’s stability and people’s safety."

Emergency response teams and utility workers arrived on the scene shortly after the strike to assess the damage and begin clearing debris. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the attack happened during non-working hours and no staff were inside the building at the time. However, local officials warn that the longer-term consequences could be severe, especially if alternative heating sources are not restored before the cold season begins.

The Kharkiv Regional Energy Company has already begun rerouting limited heat supply through backup systems, but officials admit that many neighborhoods will experience ongoing disruptions. Repairs are expected to take several weeks or even months due to the extent of the damage and the complexity of the infrastructure.

"This is a serious blow to the city’s utilities network," said Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration. "We are working around the clock to assess how we can restore heating to the affected residents. But the reality is that many people may be left without heat unless we receive emergency support from national and international partners."

The attack on Kharkiv’s heating facility is part of a larger pattern of strikes targeting civilian infrastructure across Ukraine — particularly energy grids, water systems, and utilities — a tactic widely condemned by international observers as a violation of humanitarian norms.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his call for stronger air defense systems and increased international support following the strike. "Russia continues its war on civilians by targeting heating and energy infrastructure. We need more air defense, more resilience, and more global solidarity," he said in a televised address.

Residents in the affected areas have been urged to conserve energy, check on elderly neighbors, and follow local government updates regarding temporary heating shelters and emergency support services.

As Ukraine prepares for the colder months, attacks like this one in Kharkiv underscore the urgent need for bolstered infrastructure protection and humanitarian aid to ensure that civilians are not left vulnerable to both the war and the elements.