No Power, No Heat, No Water: Odesa’s Days of Hell Under Russian Fire

Odesa, Ukraine is facing intense Russian attacks on its infrastructure, leaving residents without power, heat, and water for extended periods. The attacks, which have intensified over the past two weeks, are believed to be retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russia's "shadow fleet." The situation is particularly dire for vulnerable populations like the elderly and disabled, who struggle to access basic necessities and shelter during the outages. Social workers are providing assistance, but the repeated shelling and lack of essential services are taking a severe psychological toll on residents. One disabled resident, unable to walk or reach a shelter, relies on social workers for water and covers her windows to avoid seeing the drones.

A recent survey by Russia's state-owned VTsIOM found that a majority of Russians expect the war in Ukraine to end in 2026. The survey, conducted in late 2025, revealed that 70% of 1,600 respondents view 2026 as a potentially more successful year for Russia. Over half of those surveyed linked their optimism to the anticipated conclusion of the "special military operation" in Ukraine. VTsIOM's deputy head, Mikhail Mamonov, attributed this optimism to the belief that Russia's objectives will be achieved, citing the ongoing offensive, waning US financial support, and the EU's limitations in replacing US aid as contributing factors. The survey indicates a cautiously optimistic outlook among Russians regarding the war's resolution and its potential positive impact on the country.

Russia has escalated attacks on Odesa, Ukraine, targeting the port city's infrastructure and logistics. Recent strikes have damaged port facilities, a civilian cargo vessel, and warehouses. These attacks follow a sustained barrage of drones and missiles on the wider Odesa area, which is crucial for Ukraine's overseas trade and fuel imports. Ukrainian officials state that Russia is attempting to restrict Ukraine’s access to the sea and block its coastal regions. The escalation comes as the US increases diplomatic efforts to end the war, with recent talks between US, Ukrainian, and Russian representatives.