Ukraine endures its bitterest winter as Russia targets heating and power
Severe cold and energy attacks in Kyiv
With temperatures plunging to minus 18 degrees Celsius across snow-covered Kyiv, the attacks mean hundreds of thousands of the capital’s three million residents are facing extreme hardship. Russian drones and missiles have been targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for months, battering power and heating networks on a near-constant basis.
Widespread heating and power outages
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that about 4,000 buildings in Kyiv remain without heating, and nearly 60% of the city is without electricity. This has led to a severe energy crisis, with residents resorting to collecting snow for water, sleeping in gloves, coats, and hats, and using heating bricks on gas stoves to stay warm.
Emergency response and public resilience
Emergency services have set up tents that offer both electricity and heat to affected residents. Despite the relentless attacks, Ukrainians are demonstrating remarkable resilience, with many erecting tents indoors and relying on makeshift solutions to survive the coldest, darkest winter of the war.
International attention and coverage
The situation has drawn significant international attention, with media outlets such as Reuters, ABC News, and the New York Times reporting on the crisis. These reports highlight the ongoing impact of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the human cost of the conflict.