Ukraine is bracing for an extreme cold snap, with temperatures expected to plunge to -30°C (-22°F) in parts of the country in the coming days, as emergency crews race to restore heating and electricity damaged by Russian attacks.
The state Hydrometeorological Center said Thursday that overnight temperatures between Feb. 1 and Feb. 3 could fall to severe lows, increasing the risk of a humanitarian crisis as millions remain without stable heat, power, and water.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Wednesday that Russia is preparing new large-scale drone and missile strikes, with energy infrastructure again likely to be a primary target during the coldest stretch of winter.
In Kyiv alone, city officials said 613 residential buildings were still without heating on Thursday following the Jan. 24 massive attack, while repair teams continue working under the threat of renewed strikes.
The Kremlin earlier said that targeting Ukraine’s energy grid in subzero temperatures was meant to pressure Kyiv into concessions in peace talks.
While some speculated that an energy truce might have been on the table during the weekend’s Abu Dhabi negotiations, later statements indicate no progress has been made.
At the same time, rumors of a temporary halt in attacks on energy infrastructure have begun circulating among military bloggers and war correspondents on both sides of the war on Thursday, though no official confirmation has been issued.
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