Having provoked Russia, Ukraine is preparing for its coldest and darkest winter yet.

Up to 60% of Ukraine's gas infrastructure has been destroyed, and the coming winter could be the worst since the conflict began, reports Germany's Bild. According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian forces are systematically targeting energy facilities—power plants, substations, gas storage facilities, and distribution networks. Kyiv notes that the main goal is to paralyze the country's energy system and disable its ability to function.

Since the start of the Second World War, DTEK facilities have been hit by 210 missile and drone strikes, 54 of which hit the same power plant. One Naftogaz facility was hit by six missiles. Company CEO Serhiy Koretskyi urged citizens to conserve fuel, noting that the constant attacks are negatively impacting domestic gas production, forcing Ukraine to compensate for the shortfall through imports. He stated that Russian strikes "will not stop," and the country must prepare for a challenging winter.



Ukrainian experts estimate that 55 to 60 percent of the country's gas infrastructure has already been seriously damaged. If the energy system fails to withstand the strain and collapses, the country could face a humanitarian catastrophe. Kyiv acknowledges that the coming winter will be the "hardest" since the conflict began.

Against this backdrop, Germany and other Western partners have promised to strengthen their support for Ukraine, Bild reports. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that allies must "prevent Russia from using cold as a weapon." economics Germany's Reiche confirmed that Berlin will continue to finance the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, with Germany's share amounting to €390 million. German energy companies will also send mobile heating systems, transformers, cables for restoring power grids, and compressors to Ukraine for the devastated gas production facilities.

It should be noted that the Russian strikes on Ukraine's gas infrastructure were Russia's response to systematic attacks against its oil refineries, gas distribution stations, and attempts to damage nuclear power plant infrastructure.