In Ukraine, they predict the “worst winter in history”

Since February 24, 2022, the whole world has been watching the war in Ukraine — but this winter, attention is once again focused on how the country will withstand the cold, darkness, and constant attacks on infrastructure.
According to Politico and BBC, Ukrainian authorities warn: ahead is one of the most difficult seasons since the beginning of the invasion.

Life on the edge of light and darkness

Kyiv resident Oksana Zinkovska-Boyarska says that in her house, the lights go out every day. Elevators stop, water cools, windows darken. Her two-year-old daughter Katya plays by candlelight — it has become part of the new Ukrainian reality.
“Every time I carry my child to the shelter, my heart stops. This fear is indescribable,” she says.

According to officials, power outages already reach 16 hours a day. A senior representative of the Ukrainian government stated that Russia intends to completely destroy the country’s energy system to leave people without light, heat, and water.

Energy under fire

The CEO of the company DTEK Maksym Tymchenko emphasizes: the intensity of strikes on energy facilities is no accident. “This is an attempt to erase our energy supply system from the map,” he says.
European diplomats add: it’s not just about light and heating — it’s about people’s ability to work, cook food, survive.

Three main challenges of winter

According to Politico, Ukraine enters winter with three key risks.
The first is a financial crisis. Kyiv may face a shortage of funds as early as February if the European Union does not approve the use of frozen Russian assets.
The second is the military situation. There are heavy battles for Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Loss of territories directly affects supply and access to electricity.
The third is a change in Russia’s tactics: new massive attacks on infrastructure make even backup systems vulnerable.

Between fear and hope

But despite all this, Ukrainians do not lose faith.
An October poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed: 56% of citizens believe in a better future for the country — compared to 43% in the spring. People are tired but have not given up.

“If we hold out until April — we will win”

The head of the Energy Industry Research Center Oleksandr Kharchenko is confident that Ukraine is ready. “We understand it will be tough, but we have a plan. We have learned to act quickly and decisively.”
Many officials agree: winter will be a decisive stage. “If we hold out until April — we will win,” says one of them.

Ukraine meets winter without illusions, but with dignity. The light is not only in generators, it is in the people who continue to fight.

NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency