Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure Targeted
In the depth of winter, Ukrainians are dealing with power outages, leaving many without heat as power and gas infrastructure is targeted in attacks16th January 2026
Dark Nights, Cold Homes: What Attacks On Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure Means for Families
Recent and Continuing waves of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy system have pushed the country’s energy grid to a breaking point at critical time of year. Cities like Kyiv are now operating with only about half the electricity they need, leaving homes, schools and hospitals in darkness amid some of the coldest winter weather in years. Ukraine’s government has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector as residents endure long outages and disrupted heating.
These attacks aren’t abstract statistics. Families are living without reliable heat and power in freezing conditions. In many parts of the country, children and older adults face real risks of hypothermia because homes go without heating for days. Schools have closed or moved online because classrooms are too cold and power for remote learning is unreliable. Essential services like water and cooking have been interrupted, according to reports from Reuters news service
Those providing aid report parents are improvising with what they have. Blankets and toys are being used to block cold drafts. Emergency tents have been set up by the government and other agencies where families can warm up, get hot food and charge phones. But these are stopgap measures. Without increased humanitarian support, the most vulnerable will continue to pay the highest price this winter.
You can help provide urgent aid to Ukrainians living in the chaos of war through Mission Without Borders' programs in Ukraine. Your donation not only provides much-needed material and, but personal support and counseling for those impacted by the war.
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