Long power outages after attacks: how Ukrainian regions are enduring winter

Russian forces are carrying out daily attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leaving many areas without electricity and heat. The most challenging situation is observed in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia regions. Despite this, cities are trying to preserve critical infrastructure and support the population during frosty conditions.

On the night of January 18, Russian drones hit six regions of Ukraine at once – Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Khmelnytskyi, and Odessa. Many people were injured as a result of the attacks, including one child, and two civilians died. Attacks are increasingly targeting energy facilities, leading to prolonged emergency outages.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the worst energy supply situation is currently observed in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia regions, particularly in regional centers. During the “energy selector”, the head of state called for faster electricity imports and greater international assistance.

Residents of the Kyiv region know well what blackouts are. For example, in Vyshgorod, people were left without electricity and heat for several days. Utility services, together with rescuers, delivered generators, and residents pooled funds for equipment that helped maintain elevator, water supply, and heating system operations.

In Kyiv, some houses were prepared for such situations in advance – generators were installed several years ago. However, inverter systems do not always withstand extended outages, so condominium associations are looking for additional solutions.

Experts warn against dangerous heating methods and emphasize that generators should be used exclusively outdoors. Despite all the difficulties, cities are holding on thanks to the professionalism of energy professionals and the support of their residents.

Forecasters predict severe frosts, especially at night – the temperature may drop below -20 degrees.