Ukrainians face harsh winter amid ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure

23 December 2024 – The continued attacks on energy infrastructure across Ukraine have left millions without power, heating, and water as the country braces for winter, with temperatures expected to plunge below -20°C.

The situation is dire in areas near the frontlines in the north, east, and south of Ukraine. Local authorities report that nearly 900,000 people in these communities will require urgent winter support to survive the freezing months ahead.

It is estimated that Ukraine has already lost more than 60% of its power generation capacity. Since the war began, 18 large, combined heat and power (CHP) plants have been severely damaged or completely destroyed, alongside more than 800 boiler houses, 152 central heating points, and 354 kilometers of district heating pipes. The impact on the daily lives of Ukrainians is severe.

Heat and power plants are essential for providing electricity, heating, and hot water to homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses. Without them, many households lack central heating, placing children, the elderly, and people with medical conditions at extreme risk as temperatures drop.

“We heavily rely on humanitarian aid now. I’m displaced – again. I had to leave my home in Donetsk Oblast when life there became unbearable. For two years, we lived without light, water, or heating. We were not living – we were just surviving,” shared Iryna, 64, from Krasnohorivka, Donetsk Oblast.

“I came to Zaporizhzhia, which is now just 35 kilometers from the frontlines. It’s a city crowded with displaced families like mine, who’ve fled the fighting. I’m a pensioner, and my allowance isn’t enough to cover basic food costs, let alone anything else. This winter terrifies me. I’m scared of being left without heat again, of freezing, of not being able to cook or afford food and medicine. I don’t know how I’ll make it through,” she added.

The destruction of heat and power plants has also caused widespread power outages across Ukraine. With the cold months approaching and attacks intensifying, the situation is expected to worsen, leaving families without electricity for an average of more than six hours per day.

The looming energy crisis is leading to a sharp rise in electricity bills and solid fuel prices. For internally displaced people struggling to find work and frontline communities barely surviving relentless shelling, drone strikes, and missile attacks, this crisis poses a grave threat to Ukrainians.

“When the entire building shakes from a rocket that has just destroyed several houses in your neighborhood, and you have no heat, no water, no gas – you’re sitting in the dark, sometimes with no contact with the outside world because there’s no connection – you pray once again just to survive the day, hoping to see your loved ones one more time,” said Svitlana, 61, from Marinka, Donetsk Oblast.

She added, “It’s unbearably hard. To survive this winter, we need at least the bare minimum of support.”

World Vision is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of Ukrainian children and families, especially in light of the challenges this winter poses.

To address urgent winterization needs, World Vision has implemented a comprehensive response based on three key approaches. These programs run for five months from November through March. The first approach involves providing cash assistance to help displaced and frontline communities cover heating and other essential winter costs. 

With soaring energy prices, many Ukrainians are struggling to meet even basic needs. According to a recent UNHCR assessment, more than 80% of affected people prefer cash assistance for winter support. Among those who received cash aid, 86% reported positive changes, including the ability to purchase winter clothing, firewood, coal, and pay utility bills.

The second approach focuses on providing alternative energy solutions. Through local partners, World Vision distributes generators, heaters, and power banks to families and shelters in frontline areas.

The third component of the response involves distributing winterization kits, which include thermal blankets, hygiene items, portable gas stoves, and gas cylinders.

“This winterization kit is crucial for families living close to the frontlines. These communities are hanging by a thread – with shattered windows, half-destroyed buildings, and entire neighborhoods in ruins. On top of that, energy plants are being targeted, leaving families without gas, heating, or water. Power outages are constant, making it nearly impossible to stay warm, boil water, or prepare food,” shared Yurii Bezkorovainyi, director of Will Help Together, World Vision’s local partner responsible for distributing the kits in frontline areas.

"A key component of the kit is the portable gas stove, which enables families to cook and prepare hot meals even without access to gas or heating. It’s easy to use and comes with a gas cylinder, so they can start using it right away. When the cylinder runs out, they can refill it at any gas station, providing a lifeline in these incredibly tough conditions,” added Bezkorovainyi.

This winter, with targeted attacks on energy infrastructure, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate. “World Vision remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting affected communities in frontline areas and across Ukraine,” said Arman Grigoryan, World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response Director. 

To date, World Vision has provided aid to over 2 million people affected by the war in Ukraine, more than half of whom are children.

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World Vision is a Christian humanitarian and development organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision and their partners are working in communities to improve families’ economic prospects, strength violence prevention and child protection services, and improve education systems.   World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For queries and media requests, please contact:
Laurentia Jora, WV UCR Advocacy & Communications Manager 
Email: laurentia_jora@wvi.org