Crisis in Ukraine: Energy Grid Under Siege as Winter Deepens

A sustained campaign of Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure has resulted in widespread disruptions to electricity, heating, and water supplies for millions of people across the country, with the capital, Kyiv, being a primary target.

These attacks are occurring during a period of severe winter weather, with temperatures frequently dropping below -15 degrees Celsius. The cumulative effect of repeated strikes has placed significant strain on Ukraine's power grid, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector.

Impacts in Kyiv

Kyiv has experienced multiple large-scale attacks on its energy infrastructure since the beginning of 2025, with major strikes reported on or around January 9, January 20, and January 24. These attacks have repeatedly disrupted heating, electricity, and water supplies.

• Following an attack on January 20, approximately 60% of Kyiv was without power, and water supplies were cut to the city's left bank.
• After a bombardment overnight into January 24, nearly 6,000 apartment blocks in the capital were without heating, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
• In a single incident in January, an estimated 500 high-rise buildings lacked heating, and over 1,000 buildings remained without heating days later.
• On February 12, over 107,000 Kyiv residents experienced power outages following strikes on energy facilities. Residential buildings in the Dniprovskyi and Darnytskyi districts also sustained damage.
• Residents report experiencing prolonged periods without electricity, with some receiving power for only a few hours a day or facing hours-long scheduled blackouts.

Impact Across Other Ukrainian Regions

The attacks have not been confined to Kyiv, causing significant infrastructure damage and civilian casualties in other regions.

Kharkiv

This city has been a frequent target. In one attack, approximately 80% of the area experienced power outages, and hundreds of thousands of customers temporarily lost heating. A missile strike on a residential apartment block on a separate date resulted in at least 10 fatalities, including two children. Temperatures in Kharkiv have been reported as low as -25 degrees Celsius.

Dnipropetrovsk & Zaporizhzhia

Russian drone strikes disrupted heating and water supplies for over one million people. Over 13,000 people in Zaporizhzhia were reported to be without electricity on one day. At least six individuals were wounded from strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Odesa

Energy infrastructure in the region sustained damage, and over 50,000 people lost power in a single attack. A large-scale drone attack caused damage to a gas pipeline and residential buildings, resulting in one fatality.

Other Regions

Attacks have also been reported in Rivne, Poltava, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, and Vinnytsia oblasts, leading to power outages and damage to energy facilities.

Damage to Energy Infrastructure

Russian forces have consistently targeted Ukraine's energy system, including thermal power plants, hydroelectric plants, combined heat and power plants, and electrical substations.

• Ukrainian officials stated that all power plants in the country have been impacted by these attacks.
• DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy provider, reported that its thermal power plants have been repeatedly hit, damaging critical equipment. The company described one attack as the 11th mass attack on its thermal power plants since October.
• State grid operator Ukrenergo confirmed that substations connected to nuclear power plants were targeted, though efforts to disconnect the plants were unsuccessful.
• The Security Service of Ukraine reported that Russian forces targeted 11 hydroelectric power plants, 45 combined heat and power plants, 49 thermal power plants, and 151 electrical substations since October 2025.
• By February, President Zelensky reported that 1,400 residential buildings in Kyiv were without heating.

Civilian Adaptations and Humanitarian Situation

The attacks have forced residents to adapt to the lack of basic services.

Residents are using portable gas stoves for cooking and heating, wearing multiple layers of clothing indoors, sleeping under blankets, and using hot water bottles for warmth. Some individuals heat bricks on gas stoves to warm their apartments.

Safety Risks

The use of alternative heating methods has led to reports of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Aid and Support

• "Invincibility Trains" operated by Ukrainian Railways provide warmth, electricity, and comfort.
• The government has established "invincibility points" across the country offering warmth and device charging.
• Aid groups provide food and assistance to vulnerable populations, including the elderly.

Displacement

Mayor Klitschko advised residents capable of doing so to temporarily leave the city to reduce strain on resources, leading to the departure of approximately 600,000 people.

UNICEF and IFRC Warnings

International aid agencies have warned of the risk of hypothermia and frostbite for children and the general population. The IFRC reported that pre-positioned supplies are becoming scarce due to increased demand.

Civilian Casualties

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission reported that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since 2022, with drones and missiles causing 35% of all civilian casualties. A separate report found that 97% of civilian casualties in Ukraine-controlled areas were attributed to Russian attacks.

Official Statements and Military Context

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia is intentionally targeting critical infrastructure to exploit winter conditions and described the attacks as a war strategy. He declared a state of emergency in the energy sector on January 14.
• 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.
• Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi informed a US General about the "difficult" frontline situation, noting Russia's use of missile and air strikes against rear areas.
• In February, an attack on the Belgorod region in Russia resulted in power, heating, and water outages for thousands of residents following what the regional governor described as a "massive" Ukrainian strike.

Diplomatic Context

The attacks occurred amidst diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire or peace agreement. Talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States took place in the United Arab Emirates in January.

• The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacks on major Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure until a specified Sunday in January, at the "personal request" of US President Donald Trump. This pause ended with a subsequent large-scale attack.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that a decisive global response should follow if Russia deliberately delays diplomatic processes. He called for increased international pressure, stronger sanctions, and continued military assistance, particularly air defense systems.