The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo has issued a stark warning regarding Ukraine’s upcoming winter, predicting it could be the most challenging since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. In an interview with the BBC, De Croo highlighted the systematic Russian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, which have left the nation vulnerable as it enters the heating season.
De Croo emphasized that Ukraine is starting this winter from a “very weak position,” with extensive damage to power grids, fuel distribution networks, and urban centers. He expressed concern that if temperatures drop to -20°C, the risk of widespread heating and water supply disruptions could escalate significantly.
Urgent Humanitarian Concerns
During the interview, De Croo pointed out that the ongoing bombardments have targeted essential facilities, including gas stations and shopping malls, but most critically, energy infrastructure and transmission lines. He condemned these actions, stating, “There is absolutely no justification for this,” and reiterated the UN’s deep concern over the potential humanitarian consequences as winter approaches.
The UN official warned that the destruction of heating plants and electricity networks could severely disrupt water supply and sewage systems during freezing temperatures, leading to conditions that could verge on a humanitarian catastrophe.
Describing the recovery efforts as an urgent “race against time,” De Croo noted that repair teams are working tirelessly to restore damaged power plants and distribution substations before winter sets in. However, the persistent threat of Russian strikes complicates these efforts, as crews must operate under the constant risk of air raids.
Domestic Preparations and Resilience Plans
In response to the looming crisis, Ukrainian officials have outlined domestic preparations to bolster resilience against expected winter strikes. Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES 2026) forum in Kyiv, acknowledged that while it is impossible to shield every facility, Ukraine is better equipped to withstand attacks than it was last winter.
Koretskyi detailed comprehensive resilience plans aimed at decentralizing heating, water, and power infrastructure to prevent regional grid failures. He recognized the increase in Russian strikes over the past two months but assured that the state has the necessary resources and technical reserves to navigate the heating season effectively.
By late August, Ukraine had exceeded its winter natural gas storage target, accumulating 14.6 billion cubic meters in underground facilities. Additionally, municipal utility crews had prepared around 100,000 residential buildings and thousands of local boiler facilities and heating pipelines.
The Ukrainian government has allocated approximately Hr. 6.8 billion ($152 million) for grid repairs and decentralized energy solutions to ensure critical municipal services remain operational during potential blackouts.
