As the war in Ukraine drags into its fourth year, the country faces an unprecedented crisis: a long, cold winter compounded by relentless Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Families like Oksana Zinkovska-Boyarska’s, living in a Soviet-era apartment block on the outskirts of Kyiv, are already enduring daily power cuts, failed heating systems, and the constant threat of air raids. Oksana’s family relies on a costly €2,000 rechargeable battery pack to keep essential appliances running, but even this is a temporary solution. Her husband, Ievgen, a lawyer, often works by torchlight, while their two-year-old daughter, Katia, plays by candlelight. The psychological toll is immense, with Oksana describing the ‘animal fear’ of rushing to shelters during explosions. Across Ukraine, millions are bracing for even tougher times ahead. Recent massive drone and missile strikes have left much of the country without power for up to 16 hours a day. With winter temperatures expected to plummet to -20°C, Ukrainian officials warn of a ‘brutal’ season ahead. Maxim Timchenko, CEO of Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, asserts that Russia’s goal is the ‘complete destruction of Ukraine’s energy system.’ European envoys suggest this strategy aims not only to freeze Ukrainians but also to cripple the economy by disrupting factories, bakeries, and daily life. On the front lines, the situation is equally dire. The eastern city of Pokrovsk is at risk of falling to Russian forces, which would provide a strategic boost to Moscow’s campaign in the Donetsk region. Diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled, with talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on hold. Meanwhile, European nations debate how to use €180 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Despite the grim outlook, Ukrainians remain resilient. Recent polls show that 56% of citizens feel optimistic about the country’s future, up from 43% in May. For Oksana and her family, the struggle is personal but shared. ‘We can hold on for as long as the front needs it,’ she says, echoing the determination of a nation determined to survive and prevail.
Russia’s attacks have ramped up – Ukraine is fighting to hold on through another winter
