Ukraine Braces for a Harsh Winter Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

Thu Nov 13 2025 14:56:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As winter approaches, Ukraine faces relentless assaults from Russia, threatening power supplies and civilian safety. Families are preparing for extended power outages while authorities brace for economic and social strain.

With ongoing Russian airstrikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, residents are enduring power cuts and preparing for what officials describe as potentially the worst winter in the country's history. Families are adopting makeshift solutions, while government officials express fears of rising despair and economic collapse. Insights from those affected reveal the stark reality of life under constant threat, highlighting their resilience in the face of adversity.

In Kyiv, Oksana Zinkovska-Boyarska faces daily power cuts in her Soviet-era apartment. As winter looms, the family is forced to navigate the challenges of limited electricity and constant air raid alarms. Amid these struggles, her two-year-old daughter, Katia, remains a focal point of concern. Parents like Oksana are filled with anxiety over their children's safety during the night. The thought of her being scared in the dark is terrible, she reflects.

Across Ukraine, families are bracing for a long, cold winter as President Putin intensifies his attacks on vital infrastructure. Recent drone and missile strikes have plunged areas into darkness for extended periods – with power outages lasting up to 16 hours daily. Officials warn the next few months could be harsh, with temperatures potentially dropping to -20°C.

A senior Ukrainian official remarked, I think it will be the worst winter we've ever faced. Coupled with a recent spike in strikes on energy plants, confidence in a swift return to normalcy is dwindling. Maxim Timchenko, head of DTEK, noted, Russia seems intent on fully destroying our energy capabilities, signaling a challenging winter ahead for millions.

But concern over the impact goes beyond mere discomfort; it threatens the economy. With reduced factory operations and food supply interruptions, one envoy remarked that the goal of Russian tactics is to devastate both the infrastructure and morale of the nation.

In the face of these challenges, Ukrainians are demonstrating resilience. Life persists, with smaller pockets of normalcy emerging; events such as sporting matches still take place, albeit with a reduced audience for safety reasons. Amidst fear and uncertainty, Oksana finds strength in her connections with those enduring similar hardships: We can hold on for as long as the front needs it, she asserts. As winter looms, the question becomes not just about survival but about the spirit of a nation determined to persist through adversity.