Ukraine Experiences Widespread Utility Disruptions Amid Sustained Winter Strikes

Ukraine Grapples with Widespread Utility Disruptions Amidst Russian Winter Attacks

Ukraine has endured extensive disruptions to essential services, including heating, electricity, and water supplies across numerous regions such as Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv. These outages stem from a persistent series of Russian missile and drone strikes targeting energy infrastructure. Occurring during severe winter temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F), the incidents have led to casualties, widespread infrastructure damage, and prompted declarations of energy emergencies. Repair efforts are ongoing, while civilians have implemented various adaptation strategies to cope with prolonged outages. International discussions on military aid and potential peace agreements continue amidst these developments.

Overview of Attacks and Impact

As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion approaches, Ukraine has experienced a sustained campaign of drone and missile attacks targeting its energy infrastructure, leading to widespread utility disruptions. Ukrainian officials have characterized these actions as deliberately exploiting winter conditions and weaponizing winter. The country's energy system is reportedly under daily attack, with DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy provider, describing its operations as a constant state of crisis.

Russian forces reportedly utilize a variety of weaponry, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and Shahed-type drones. Ukrainian air defense systems have reported intercepting a significant percentage of incoming targets, with figures for January indicating approximately 83% of drones and 51% of missiles were downed or suppressed. The cost for air defense missiles alone to repel some attacks has been estimated at around $90 million.

Regional Impacts and Casualties

The attacks have affected millions across Ukraine, with significant disruptions reported in major cities and regions:

• Widespread power, water, and heating outages have been reported, with temperatures reaching -20°C.
• Following an attack on January 9, approximately 6,000 Kyiv homes lost heating. Subsequent attacks on January 20 and 24 also left nearly 6,000 apartment blocks without heating.
• On January 20, approximately 60% of Kyiv was without power, with water supplies cut to the left bank.
• Residential buildings have sustained damage, including multi-story structures and a kindergarten. The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, also reported damage to doors and window frames.
• Casualties include a 50-year-old man killed in Kyiv Oblast, one person injured in Kyiv's Dniprovskyi district, five individuals wounded in a January 24 attack, and two injured on February 12.
• Public transport, including metro services, has been temporarily suspended or altered due to power cuts.
• Over 107,000 residents experienced power outages following February 12 strikes on energy facilities.

• Over one million people were affected by heating and water supply disruptions after strikes in early January. Six individuals were reported injured following attacks on January 13.
• On January 20, two women, aged 67 and 76, were injured in Dnipro.
• On February 12, four people, including an infant and a four-year-old girl, were injured in Dnipro. Heat supply was disrupted for 10,000 subscribers, and approximately 10 residential buildings were damaged.

• Electricity supplies were temporarily disrupted for thousands in early January, with near-total power loss reported.
• Two female power company employees were wounded in a strike on energy facilities.
• Over 200,000 households in the Russia-held portion of the region experienced power loss due to Ukrainian drone strikes.
• Approximately 75% of residents in Zaporizhzhia, a city of 750,000, rely on central heating.

• A postal service terminal strike resulted in four fatalities.
• Energy infrastructure has been a frequent target, with approximately 80% of the area losing power in some incidents.
• Reported outages affected around 400,000 people.
• Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that attacks aimed to inflict maximum damage and deprive the city of heat during severe frost, with at least 820 high-rise buildings losing heat.
• On February 12, a 38-year-old man was hospitalized with injuries after jumping from a third-floor window during an apartment fire.

• Energy infrastructure sustained damage in multiple attacks, including a fire reported on January 13.
• Over 50,000 people lost power in a January 24 attack.
• On February 8-9, a large-scale drone attack resulted in one 35-year-old man dead and two individuals injured, including a 19-year-old woman. Twenty-one apartments in a residential building were damaged.
• A DTEK energy facility was struck on February 12, marking the 31st major DTEK substation in the region damaged since the full-scale invasion. A DTEK thermal power plant was also attacked, resulting in significant equipment damage.

• Engineers are working to maintain water supply amidst temperatures reaching -20°C. Power rationing schedules have been difficult to maintain. An air raid on January 13 cut mains power, causing indoor temperatures to drop to 6°C.

• Over 10,000 consumers were without power following the January 20 attack.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) reported that up to October 2025, Russian forces had targeted 11 hydroelectric power plants, 45 major combined heat and power plants, 49 thermal power plants, and 151 electrical substations across the country.

Restoration Efforts and Infrastructure Challenges

Repair work is ongoing across affected regions, with efforts complicated by icy conditions and the critical state of existing equipment. Emergency restoration efforts are initiated when security conditions permit. Residents have been advised to limit electricity consumption to reduce strain on the power grid.

President Zelensky declared a state of emergency in the energy sector on January 14, establishing a round-the-clock task force to manage the effects of strikes and deteriorating weather. New measures include procuring vital energy equipment and resources from abroad and increasing emergency help points.

• Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that equipment reserves for repairs have been depleted by constant attacks.
• Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko indicated that rebuilding the energy system during wartime is unfeasible due to required time and funds. Repairs are projected to take years to complete.

• Substations connected to two Ukrainian nuclear power plants were targeted during the January 20 attack, though Russian efforts to disconnect them were unsuccessful.
• Ukrainian crews have commenced repair work on a backup power line connecting the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to the main power grid under an IAEA-facilitated ceasefire.
• On February 7, a mass attack reportedly reduced Ukraine’s nuclear power generation by approximately 50%.
• On January 31, a widespread power grid disruption, described as a "cascade shutdown," led to nuclear power plants operating at reduced capacity.

• European nations and Western partners have provided hundreds of generators, new equipment, spare parts, and funds for infrastructure repair. Lithuania, for example, supplied components of an entire thermal power plant.

Official Statements and Attributions

• President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of intentionally exploiting winter conditions to target power stations, energy storage facilities, and other vital infrastructure. He stated that Russia prioritized "terrorizing people" during the coldest days over diplomacy. He has emphasized the need for continued military assistance, particularly air defense systems and missiles, urging partners to expedite provisions.
• Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba described recent strikes as among the most extensive attacks on Kyiv's energy infrastructure, coinciding with deteriorating weather.
• Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated the country's energy system experiences daily military attacks, with heat-generating facilities deliberately targeted. She noted that deteriorating weather conditions contribute to pressure on critical infrastructure.
• Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko suggested that residents capable of doing so should temporarily leave the city to alleviate pressure on resources, a comment noted by Russia. He also stated that recent Russian attacks on energy installations resulted in the worst electrical outages Kyiv had experienced.
• Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Centre for Countering Disinformation, characterized the attacks as deliberate actions against the civilian population.
• The SBU designated continued attacks on power and thermal heating plants as "crimes against humanity."

• The Russian Ministry of Defense stated it conducted "massive strikes against energy infrastructure facilities used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces" as a response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure.
• Moscow issued a warning that foreign forces deployed to Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.
• Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Press Secretary, stated that Russia agreed to a pause in attacks on Kyiv at the "personal request" of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

• UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the strikes as "cruel" and a clear violation of international law.
• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte indicated that Ukraine is facing its "harshest winter" in over a decade and affirmed NATO's continued support. He stated that the objective of ongoing U.S.-led peace talks should be a peace deal or long-term ceasefire "as soon as possible."
• UNICEF warned of the risk of hypothermia for children across Ukraine due to freezing temperatures exacerbated by dwindling emergency power generator stocks. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) noted the high risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory illnesses without heat.

Civilian Adaptation and Societal Response

Ukrainians have adopted various strategies to cope with prolonged power, heating, and water outages:

• "Invincibility Trains," operated by Ukrainian Railways, provide warmth, electricity, and comfort at suburban stations.
• Over 10,600 'invincibility points' have been established across Ukraine, offering warmth, device charging, and support.
• Mobile shelters have also been set up in Kyiv.

• Families use makeshift solutions such as heating building bricks on gas stoves to warm apartments.
• Residents wear multiple layers of clothing, use hot water bottles for warmth, and prepare meals on portable stoves.
• Battery-powered LED lamps, USB lamps, and Christmas lights are commonly used for illumination.
• Demand for portable gas stoves, heaters, and chemical warmers has led to depleted store inventories.

• Condominium Owners Associations (OSBBs) have been formed to manage and upgrade buildings for energy efficiency.
• Businesses with independent power sources, such as cafes and restaurants, operate using generators and candles, often offering shelter and assistance to those affected by outages.

• Prolonged blackouts during freezing temperatures have been reported to affect psychological well-being.
• The lack of heating has caused water pipes to burst in some buildings, leading to flooding.
• Instances of carbon monoxide poisoning from improvised heating methods have also been reported.

• Despite hardships, many residents express a stoic resolve. Some residents believe that Russia's strategy of targeting the energy sector is ineffective in breaking their will to resist.

Broader Diplomatic and Military Context

The incidents occur amidst ongoing diplomatic and military developments:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that European allies have not provided sufficient guarantees for Ukraine's protection against potential new Russian aggression.
• He expressed hope that security guarantee documents with the United States and a post-war prosperity plan could be signed during the World Economic Forum in Davos, though he postponed a planned trip following strikes.
• Envoys for former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reported positive meetings regarding a potential peace deal.
• Trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. were held in Abu Dhabi. Russia reportedly agreed to a pause in attacks on major Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure at Trump's "personal request" at one point.
• President Zelensky later indicated Russia had not committed to another round of U.S.-proposed peace talks.

• President Zelensky has consistently called for increased military assistance, particularly air defense systems and missiles, stating current supplies are insufficient. He has urged international partners to expedite provisions.

• The United Kingdom and France signed a declaration of intent regarding the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached.
• Moscow issued a warning that foreign forces deployed under such circumstances would be considered a legitimate target.

• Ukrainian forces have conducted strikes on several oil refineries in Russia as part of military efforts.
• Ukrainian airstrikes also caused widespread power, heating, and water outages in Russia's southwestern Belgorod region, with Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reporting missile and drone strikes impacting critical power grid facilities.

• Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, informed U.S. Army officials about a "difficult" frontline situation and noted Russia's use of strikes against rear areas to exert pressure during cold temperatures.
• An analysis of Institute for the Study of War data indicated Russian forces advanced 481 square kilometers in Ukraine throughout January, representing a notable increase compared to the previous month.

• The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since 2022, with drones and missiles causing 35% of all civilian casualties in Ukraine during 2025, resulting in 682 people killed and 4,443 injured, a 65% increase compared to 2024.