Extensive power outages and a months-long energy crisis have crippled Ukraine this winter. As the fourth anniversary of the war approaches, Russian missile and drone strikes have relentlessly targeted the power grid and heating systems. Water supply is also interrupted from time to time because pumps and heat exchangers run on electricity.

Russia is trying to make everyday life unbearable for Ukrainians with each attack. Cities have been forced to close schools and other public services in the middle of the coldest winter in 20 years.

“This is the harshest and most difficult winter Ukraine has experienced since the large-scale invasion began,” says Patricia Maruschak, Country Director for Finn Church Aid.

Maruschak lives in Kyiv, where electricity production has fallen to a fraction of its normal capacity. Power cuts usually last 12 hours a day, often as long as 18–20 hours.

Russia has attacked Ukraine’s electricity distribution network in previous winters. The effects of the attacks were reasonably mitigated by round-the-clock repair work. This winter, however, repair work on the electricity distribution network is constantly lagging behind due to the number of attacks.

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency due to the energy crisis and is rationing electricity distribution to ensure that hospitals and waterworks remain operational. In January, Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to temporarily leave the city if they had the opportunity to do so.

“Many people have had to leave Kyiv and other cities to find accommodation with electricity and heating,” Maruschak continues.

In January, over half a million people left the capital city. The thermometer readings remained stubbornly between -10 and -20 degrees Celsius.

“People move in with friends or relatives. So do our employees. The situation affects everyone,” Maruschak says.

Cities are setting up tents and using generators to provide residents with opportunities to warm up and charge their electronic devices. Finn Church Aid has increased its support, particularly for people living in temporary accommodation.

The recipients of aid are primarily people evacuated from cities on the front lines of the war, many of whom are elderly, disabled, or otherwise particularly vulnerable. They are being provided with blankets, hygiene kits, emergency power supplies, and generators. Aid has been directed primarily to the Chernihiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv regions.

“Unfortunately, the needs are constantly growing. We are doing everything we can to make the conditions for Ukrainians more bearable,” Maruschak says.