Ukraine: Strikes on energy infrastructure leave millions at risk ahead of winter

Over the past month, dozens of strikes have targeted energy sites across Ukraine, reportedly destroying 60 per cent of the country’s gas production capacity.  

“Many of our colleagues and partners are already working in freezing conditions, relying on blankets and power generators to continue delivering assistance,” said Marit Glad, NRC’s country director in Ukraine. “Every day without stable heating or electricity endangers lives, especially among the displaced people, elderly residents and families with children. All parties must uphold international humanitarian law and immediately cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, which are indispensable for the survival of millions.”  

With a high proportion of strikes targeting the frontline areas of Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions, attacks are also resulting in a rising number of civilian casualties.  

“The house was damaged by shelling, the roof was pierced, the windows shattered, even the chandelier fell. It’s hard to keep the house warm when the wind comes through,” said Anastasiia, who lives with her family in Derhachi, Kharkiv region. She told NRC about the toll on her three children as they prepare their home ahead of winter: “We often have power outages, so firewood is the only reliable way to keep the children warm. We still have some reserves, but they won’t be enough for the whole winter,” she said.  

In September, NRC programmes found that more than eight out of 10 people across frontline regions supported by its winterisation assistance - cash provided so families can pay for heating, electricity or fuel - were already struggling to afford essential needs ahead of the winter season. 

“It is unacceptable that energy infrastructure, essential to keep civilians warm and alive, is being repeatedly targeted. With only weeks until sub-zero temperatures set in, urgent efforts are needed to repair energy facilities and restore local heating systems. We call on the international community to step up support to rehabilitate Ukraine’s energy capacity at scale and ensure that civilians can survive the coming winter safely and with dignity,” said Glad. 

Notes to editors: 

• During the month of September, Ukraine’s energy facilities were attacked at least 31 times. (OHCHR)  

• It has been reported by Ukrainian officials that massive attacks have damaged or destroyed around 60 per cent of Ukraine’s gas production. (Financial Times)  

• At least 214 civilians were killed and almost 1,000 injured across Ukraine in September 2025. In the first nine months of 2025, the number of civilians killed and injured in Ukraine increased by 31 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. (OHCHR) 

• As the conflict deteriorated, displacement intensified across frontline regions over the summer, further straining transit sites. At least 42,000 people were reportedly evacuated from Donetska Oblast in August, and over 4,000 people left frontline were reportedly evacuated from Dnipropetrovska Oblast between June and 10 August. (OCHA) 

• As part of its winterisation cash assistance, NRC assessed that 82 per cent of respondents needed financial support to pay for utilities, 40 per cent needed winter clothing, and 36 per cent needed fuel for generators and energy production. NRC assessed a total of 33,762 people living in Dnipro, Sumy and Kherson regions. (NRC) 

• NRC has been present in Ukraine since 2014, providing emergency assistance, protection, shelter, education, and cash support to displaced and conflict-affected communities. 

• Photos for free download and use can be found here.   

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: 

• NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329 

• Anna Yakutenko, Communication and Media coordinator, NRC Ukraine: anna.yakutenko@nrc.no, +380 501657942