Joanna Kikisis

Russia has repeatedly struck Ukraine's energy grid during the coldest winter since the full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko wrote on social media that half of the city's apartment buildings are once again without heat.

Klitschko told NPR on Thursday that it's a challenge to repair the capital's massive heating system.

He said Ukraine needs more air defense supplies to protect its energy grid.

Joanna Kakissis, NPR News, Kyiv.

These days, the soundtrack in Kyiv is the buzz of generators powered by canisters of fuel.

Ukrainian businesses and some homes are using them for backup power during extended blackouts.

There are also thousands of pop-up shelters across the country where people can charge their electronic devices and keep warm.

Writing on social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said energy imports will be increased and he is considering lifting midnight curfews so people can access shelters.

Kyiv is among the hardest hit areas with power outages lasting more than 12 hours at a time.

Joanna Kekises, NPR News, Kyiv.

Russia controls about 70 percent of Ukraine's southeastern region of Zaporizhia.

President Trump says Putin tells him he wants peace, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the Russian leader is not sincere.

Putin tells the president of the United States that he wants to end the war, but then says through media that he will continue the war, striking Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones.

Russia says it is changing its stance in negotiations after claiming Ukraine tried to attack one of Putin's homes.

Zelensky says this is a lie and Russia is using it as a pretext to expand attacks on Ukraine.

Joanna Kekisis, NPR News, Kyiv.

Well, he is responding to pressure from President Trump and he's also trying to work with Europeans.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday that they are proposing a ceasefire that would be backed by strong security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe.

He also said that Ukraine is willing to discuss territorial concessions, but that Trump must understand that the final decision is up to Ukrainians.