Ukraine’s battered power grid faces unprecedented challenge, energy minister says

Russia’s Relentless Attacks Leave Ukraine Facing Critical Power Crisis During Harsh Winter

Russia has systematically targeted every power plant in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began, leaving hundreds of thousands without heat or electricity during one of the coldest winters in recent memory, Ukraine’s energy minister reported Friday.

Speaking before Parliament, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal revealed the staggering scale of the assault, with 612 attacks on energy infrastructure recorded over the past year alone. These strikes have intensified in recent months as temperatures have plunged to minus 18 degrees Celsius (minus 0.4 Fahrenheit).

“Nobody in the world has ever faced such a challenge,” Shmyhal told lawmakers at the Verkhovna Rada.

The targeting of Ukraine’s power grid, particularly during winter months, has become a hallmark of Russia’s strategy throughout the nearly four-year conflict. Ukrainian officials characterize this approach as “weaponizing winter” – deliberately inflicting civilian suffering to break national morale and resistance.

The current power shortage has reached such critical levels that Shmyhal urged businesses to switch off illuminated signage and exterior decorations to conserve electricity. “If you have spare energy, better give it to people,” the minister pleaded. “This is the most important thing today. People will be grateful.”

Emergency measures have been implemented across the country, including temporary easing of curfew restrictions to allow civilians to access public heating centers established by authorities. Hospitals, schools, and other essential infrastructure remain prioritized for electricity and heat supplies.

State energy companies Ukrzaliznytsia, Naftogaz, and Ukroboronprom have been instructed to urgently purchase imported electricity covering at least 50% of their consumption needs, according to Shmyhal.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the challenges in securing adequate air defense systems to protect power infrastructure, revealing that some of Ukraine’s systems were completely out of missiles until a new shipment arrived Friday morning.

“Obtaining supplies requires intense diplomatic pressure due to minimum stockpile levels and national laws in allied countries,” Zelenskyy explained, expressing frustration at bureaucratic obstacles. “But honestly, what do those rules and laws mean when we are at war and we desperately need these missiles?”

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned of the dire humanitarian situation. “This is a critical moment,” said Jaime Wah, deputy head of the organization’s Kyiv delegation. “This is the hardest winter since the escalation of the conflict: punishing cold temperatures and the lack of heating and electricity are affecting millions who are already pushed to the edge by years of violence and economic strain.”

The energy crisis comes amid diplomatic efforts to advance peace negotiations. Zelenskyy announced that a Ukrainian delegation is heading to the United States to finalize documents for a proposed peace settlement, focusing on postwar security guarantees and economic recovery.

If American officials approve these proposals, the U.S. and Ukraine could potentially sign agreements next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend. However, any comprehensive settlement would still require Russian participation in the process.

International support continues to flow to Ukraine’s beleaguered energy sector. During a visit to Kyiv on Friday, UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy announced an additional £20 million ($27 million) in funding for repairs to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, marking the first anniversary of the “100-year partnership” between Britain and Ukraine.

Despite Russia’s overwhelming military advantages, the front lines have remained relatively stable, with Russia occupying less than 20% of Ukrainian territory since its initial incursions in 2014. However, the humanitarian toll continues to mount as civilian infrastructure bears the brunt of targeted attacks, creating a crisis that stretches far beyond the battlefield.

As winter deepens, Ukraine’s ability to maintain basic services for its population increasingly depends on both international support and creative domestic measures to manage an unprecedented assault on its energy systems.