Ukrainians Are Dreading the ‘Darkest Winter’ as Russia Takes Aim at the Power Grid

Ahead of what they expect to be a brutal winter, millions of Ukrainians are frantically fixing up their homes and stocking up on fuel. 

Since the conflict broke out in February, the Ukrainian government estimates that over 800,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, leaving thousands of people without a place to sleep.

Russia’s recent assaults on Ukraine’s electrical and heating systems have only made matters worse.

The International Energy Agency reports that since Russia’s invasion, electricity use in Ukraine has dropped by around 40%; yet, the administration is still preparing the population for a cold winter.

The Ukrainian energy agency stated that emergency power cuts in Kyiv had to be “severe” and “unprecedented” in order to prevent a “total blackout” caused by the capital’s 30% power shortage. 

Businesses and organizations have been advised to turn off exterior lights at night and in the morning to conserve energy.

There is no way to foresee when the blackouts will occur, thus preparation is always required. When the opportunity arises, we plug in our computers and phones to charge. 

Emergency supply boxes with water, snacks, sanitary wipes, medicine, and trash/toilet bags are installed in some elevators of the city’s many high-rise residential complexes.

Blackouts have made it more risky to drive in the city, with police reporting a 25% increase in traffic accidents. 

Many businesses close down during power outages, and some eateries have started promoting “blackout menus” featuring items that may be served even when the lights go out. When a power outage gives employees a rare reprieve, they often take advantage of it by going outside to smoke.

The government of Ukraine has created a new online firewood store to help citizens identify local providers for domestic heating. Images of individuals using candles to try to reheat their meals have gone viral.

Iryna Vereshchuk, the deputy prime minister of Ukraine, warned this week that the country’s electricity grid could collapse under the weight of returning Ukrainian refugees if they came back during the winter.