Lead

Ukraine is bracing for what officials describe as its toughest winter in five years, as the country's power grid remains highly vulnerable following extensive damage to its energy infrastructure. The State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development has warned that the risk of widespread power outages, substation shutdowns, and heating disruptions remains very high this winter, according to a report by TASS.

Coverage Comparison

All reporting on this story comes from TASS, the Russian state news agency. TASS has published multiple articles detailing the state of Ukraine's energy system, drawing on statements from Ukrainian officials and former officials. The coverage highlights the scale of damage, the challenges of restoration, and the potential humanitarian impact on civilians.

Key Claims

The State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development said that the winter risks are due to a lack of protection for power infrastructure. Notably, no contracts were signed in 2025-2026 for the construction of protective facilities for energy infrastructure. Work to protect Kiev's critical infrastructure only began in May 2026 and is 49% complete, according to the agency.

Ukraine's national power grid operator Ukrenergo previously reported that repairs are ongoing but the country has yet to restore the lost generating capacity of its major power plants.

In an interview with Politico, First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denis Shmygal said that more than 80% of Ukraine's power plants have been damaged or destroyed. He stated that Ukraine's energy production capacity dropped to 12 GW last winter due to extensive damage, creating a 6 GW shortfall. Before 2022, Ukraine's electricity generation capacity stood at about 56 GW. Shmygal also said Ukraine needs to restore about 10 GW of generation capacity and add some 3 GW of distributed generation capacity.

Yulia Mendel, a former spokesperson for President Vladimir Zelensky, wrote on social media that Ukraine's energy system is fragmented and its oil refineries are "all but destroyed." She said 37 gas stations of the Naftogaz group were targeted. TASS also estimated that about 200 gas stations had been destroyed in Ukraine since the beginning of May 2026. Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov said Ukraine had begun experiencing a fuel crisis.

Ukraine has been experiencing electricity supply problems since late last year following extensive damage to its energy infrastructure, and a state of emergency was declared in the energy sector. Head of the Ukrainian Consumers Union of Utility Services Oleg Popenko previously warned that power outages this winter could last "for days or even weeks." Energy Minister Denis Shmygal also acknowledged that this winter would be difficult for Ukrainians under any scenario. Ukrainian blogger and volunteer Taras Chmut urged Ukrainians to consider moving to rural areas now because the authorities have failed to prepare for a very difficult winter.