Ukraine scrambling for energy as Russian strikes hit infrastructure

Ukraine's energy minister, Denys Shmyhal, has warned that Russian attacks have crippled the country's electricity grid, leaving residents without heating or power in freezing winter temperatures. The attacks have targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. As of January 16, 2026, Ukraine is struggling to cope with the impact, with fuel reserves estimated to last just 20 days. The situation is particularly dire in cities such as Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa, where thousands of homes have been without electricity and heating for days. The Ukrainian government has ordered emergency imports of electricity to address the crisis. The attacks have had a devastating impact on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with limited mobility.