Ukraine braces for -30°C freeze amid energy crisis

Friday 30 January 2026 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Ukraine braces for -30°C freeze amid energy crisis

Ukrainians gear up for an extreme cold snap that could plunge temperatures to minus 30 degrees Celsius next week, even as millions already lack heat and power from repeated Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. The State Emergency Service warned Thursday that the sharp drop starts February 1, hitting nearly all regions except the south, with mild relief only after February 4. This comes as Kyiv faces what officials call the harshest winter since Russia's full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.

Kyiv heating crisis worsens

In the capital, about 610,000 consumers remain without electricity, said First Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Denys Chmyhal. Over 600 residential buildings lack heating while utility crews work around the clock to restore services damaged by Russian attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply criticized Kyiv city hall Wednesday, faulting local authorities in part for the hardship. "Equipment should have been bought and acquired before winter, and Kyiv city administration must now act much faster to ease residents' lives, at least in February," Zelensky said in his evening video address.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko, seen by observers as a political rival to the president, noted over 1,000 utility workers are repairing damage. Specialized teams from across Ukraine, including Lviv, Poltava, and Chernihiv, have mobilized to assist.

International aid mobilizes

European nations rush emergency energy gear. German Ambassador Heiko Thoms announced 33 mobile cogeneration plants to power millions; Germany delivered the first two Tuesday, set to supply heat and electricity to 86,000 Kyiv residents. French President Emmanuel Macron pledged generators after a call with Zelensky, condemning Russian attacks on civilians. "Following the G7+ meeting co-chaired by France, generators will be sent to Ukraine to help the population through winter," Macron stated.

The European Commission unveiled 145 million euros in emergency humanitarian aid Thursday. "Next week in Kyiv, it could hit -24 degrees. Russia seeks to subdue Ukraine's people through cold. Europe won't allow it," said Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib. The EU delivered 447 generators this week, with 500 more deploying from strategic reserves.

Winter of endurance

The energy crisis forces stark adaptations. Reuters reports residents melting snow for drinking water, layering clothes to sleep, and heating bricks on gas stoves. Around 600,000 people have left Kyiv in January alone as conditions deteriorate. Zelensky warned Wednesday of a looming Russian massive strike. "Russians prepare another massive strike our intelligence indicates it," he said, adding such attacks "discredit diplomatic talks."