Ukraine Faces Brutal Winter Amid Heightened Russian Attacks

Fri Dec 05 2025 08:06:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Ukraine braces for another harsh winter, residents struggle with power cuts and fear, while Russian forces ramp up their assault, targeting critical infrastructure in a bid to destabilize the country.

With temperatures plummeting and energy infrastructure under assault, Ukrainians are preparing for a winter of hardship as Russian military campaigns intensify. Families like Oksana Zinkovska-Boyarska's in Kyiv face daily power outages and the terrifying reality of air raids while coping with the psychological toll of war. Government officials warn this could be the toughest winter yet, as the Kremlin seeks to cripple the nation’s energy systems and lessen social cohesion.

Ukraine Faces Brutal Winter Amid Heightened Russian Attacks

As Ukraine braces for another harsh winter, residents struggle with power cuts and fear, while Russian forces ramp up their assault, targeting critical infrastructure in a bid to destabilize the country.

In her Soviet-era apartment block on the outskirts of eastern Kyiv, Oksana Zinkovska-Boyarska lives with daily power cuts. The lift to her eighth-floor apartment often stops, the lights go out and sometimes the pumps maintaining pressure in the gas central heating fail. She has a rechargeable battery pack to keep appliances running, but it costs €2,000 (£1,770) and only lasts so long. Her husband Ievgen, a lawyer, often has to work by torchlight, while their two-year-old daughter plays by candlelight.

Amid air raids and cold darkness, Oksana worries constantly for Katia, reflecting on the anxiety of bringing her child to a shelter during explosions. I can't describe...the animal fear. She expresses a heart-wrenching concern for her daughter's well-being amidst these dreadful living conditions.

Across Ukraine, families prepare for even more difficult times ahead. Warnings from officials highlight that the coming months might be brutal as Russia aims to cripple Ukraine's power supply. Recent strikes have already left much of the nation without electricity for hours, raising fears about surviving the winter, especially when temperatures can drop as low as -20C.

Government officials stress the necessity to brace for a bleak season with a war-weary population. I think it will be the worst winter of our history, one senior official noted, observing that regular attacks have become systematic with the intention to demolish Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. As Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, put it, Russia is intent on complete destruction of the energy system.

However, the stakes are high not only for warmth and light but also for the national economy. European envoys express concern that without electricity, daily life will be hampered — no bread from bakeries and factories shut down. The aim is evidently more than just chilling homes; it’s an attempt to dismantle economic stability and social cohesion in Ukraine.

On the front lines, realities appear grim with possibilities of key cities falling back into Russian hands, which could embolden troops while further demoralizing Ukrainian forces. Beside this, corruption scandals within the government threaten public trust at a time when unity is crucial. Public figures have been accused of profiting from urgent defense contracts meant to protect vital infrastructures amidst ongoing conflict.

While diplomatic efforts for resolution remain stagnant, Ukraine's officials express concerns that any reduction in support from Western nations could further compromise their efforts to sustain not just military resistance but also the morale of civilians who experience war fatigue after enduring four years of relentless conflict.

Despite constant fears and physical hardships, optimism persists among the populace, according to recent polls. Yet the challenges lie ahead in the balance between survival and the hope of eventual peace.

As the winter looms, Ukrainians are reminded of their resilience, emphasizing the life still found amidst the darkness. Oksana reflects on this strength as she resolves to endure for both herself and her daughter, penning forward to face the trials ahead with an unwavering spirit.