Human kindness provides warmth in the midst of a cold winter marked by Russian attacks and severe power outages.
Ongoing missile attacks. Darkness and sleepless nights. Severe weather conditions. A Frozen capital. Tents indoors. Ukraine is at risk of a complete blackout due to Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The energy situation is particularly difficult in Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad and Mykolaiv regions.
Scheduled stabilisation power outages have been introduced since the full-scale invasion began; however, after a new wave of Russian attacks, they have become more frequent and severe. Planned blackouts have been implemented due to damage to energy infrastructure and the inability to ensure the stable transmission of electricity required by consumers. New waves of winter and the constant Russian attacks have immersed the city in total darkness. Residents are left without electricity, heating, and in some districts, even water supply. Following a massive Russian missile and Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) attack on 13 January 2026, the situation deteriorated significantly, prompting the introduction of emergency power outages. In some regions, scheduled outage timetables ceased to function altogether. Russian attacks have impacted not only power plants but also power grids, substations, and gas extraction infrastructure. Russia has altered its tactics for striking the energy system, now launching numerous drones and ballistic missiles at a single target, sometimes rendering air defence ineffective. As a result, system failures led to a blackout on 31 January, which even disrupted power supply to the metro. Energy workers are doing everything they can to restore power, but the ongoing attacks continue to kill civilians. On 3 February 2026, a drone hit a crew of workers in the Donetsk region. A Russian drone struck near a tractor, injuring the driver, who was taken to the hospital to recover.
Severe weather conditions are making repair efforts more challenging and prolonging power and heating outages. In some northern cities, temperatures have plunged to minus 20 degrees Celsius, while Kyiv is experiencing minus 15 degrees Celsius. Severe weather poses significant challenges for the military, particularly when troops are stationed in trenches where it can be nearly impossible to stay warm. Chemical heat packs are a key way to stay warm; each heating pad lasts about 6 to 8 hours. Therefore, each soldier needs at least three heat packs to prevent frostbite. Volunteers are actively fundraising for heating pads for the military to help them cope with harsh conditions. Furthermore, weather conditions result in a shortage of natural shelter.
During this time, animals living on the streets are particularly vulnerable. Homeless animals simply freeze and die not only because of frost, but also because of the lack of energy; sometimes they simply do not have access to drinking water. To help everyone, including homeless animals, Ukrainian businesses have begun opening their doors as shelters for stray cats and dogs, providing food and a warm place to stay. Therefore, the government revised the rules to allow shops and cafes to let animals in without risking fines. In other cities, residents and charities have built shelters full of hay for animals. Dog shelters are overcrowded and struggling to stay in business because it is difficult to maintain them without electricity. Many people who may not have the means to provide financial assistance or shelter for animals still do their best to help. In Kyiv, for example, despite some areas experiencing heating outages for over three days, residents are taking the initiative to bring warm clothing and food to street animals. They understand that, especially in the cold and darkness, everyone deserves care and support. Some residents have even taken animals into their homes or have placed pet cushions at building entrances.
The famous story of a veteran driver who welcomed a stray dog onto his bus has gained attention among citizens. Veteran Petro was a soldier near Avdiivka, then he was wounded, and now he works as a bus driver. The dog asked the driver to let him onto the bus to warm up. Certain animals became popular among the locals, for instance, a cat in a cafe in Kropyvnytskyi has its own place on the windowsill. Additionally, birds have not been forgotten, as the number of feeding stations in cities is steadily increasing. Not only in a practical way, but the media also publishes guidelines on how to help animals during such severe times. Some suggestions include: leave boxes and blankets near houses; feed and leave dry pet food for animals; arrange bird feeders; open the doors of entrances or shelters for animals; and, if possible, provide temporary shelter at home. Showing simple humanity and concern can save the lives of thousands of animals.
Extreme cold significantly increases strain on the energy system and poses additional challenges for utility workers. Some cities are on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe as radiators burst and sewage systems freeze. Despite the freezing temperatures and continuous attacks, workers persist in their efforts. People set up tents indoors to keep warm longer just to get a night’s sleep; those with portable power stations share electricity with their neighbours to help them at least charge their phones. Citizens set up Emergency Support Centres everywhere, just under the open sky, so people can warm themselves with hot beverages. This is how people, despite all, strive not only to survive but to truly live: a story about how parents used a car headlight to illuminate the football field, making training possible for their children – striving to give them a meaningful childhood. Due to the freezing weather and power outages, transportation is disrupted. However, the residents here take matters into their own hands, especially when the trolleybus cannot move. People get out and push it together to help it start. Even in everyday situations, these stories can seem absurd, yet they reflect the genuine absurdity of war. They are frequently shared through word of mouth.
Such conditions are incredibly hard for individuals who rely on electricity and heat for survival, where every minute counts. The Ukrainian media Radio Liberty reported on a man called Anatolii with a rare and complicated illness who is unable to breathe independently; his life hinges on the function of a ventilator. The story was shared by his wife, who is always by his side. When the power goes out, she needs to switch her husband to another device powered by a car battery. Prolonged outages create not only heating issues, which are just as critical for Anatolii, but also concern about the time it takes to recharge the necessary equipment. The lack of electricity is not just about inconveniences or finding ways of adaptation to severe circumstances; for some residents, it is a matter of life and death. According to TSN estimates, there are currently 1,269 Emergency Support Centres operating in Kyiv. These centres enable residents to charge their devices, warm up, and continue working during power outages. Experts emphasise that the most effective way to halt the attacks and improve Ukraine’s energy situation is to expand and strengthen its air defence systems.
Image credits: Sofiia Nadtochii
