How Russia has weaponised winter against people in Ukraine
Al Jazeera
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, striking the country's power grid over 2,500 times in just four years. This relentless targeting has left millions of Ukrainians without access to heat during some of the coldest winters in recent memory. The strategy appears designed not only to disrupt daily life but also to exacerbate suffering and create long-term instability. As winter approaches, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, with civilians facing freezing temperatures and struggling to secure basic necessities like warmth and light.
The escalation in attacks on Ukraine's energy grid began shortly after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Initially sporadic, the strikes became more frequent following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. By mid-2023, the number of attacks had surged, with many targeting critical power stations and transmission lines. This systematic approach has left parts of Ukraine in near-darkness, crippling hospitals, schools, and businesses. The deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure underscores Russia's willingness to weaponize winter, using extreme weather conditions to amplify the impact of its military campaign.
The human cost of this strategy is profound. With temperatures dropping below freezing, Ukrainian households are forced to rely on alternative heating sources, many resorting to dangerous methods like improvised stoves or露天 fires. The lack of heat has also led to a surge in health issues, particularly among the elderly and children. Beyond the immediate suffering, the destruction of energy infrastructure threatens Ukraine's long-term recovery, as rebuilding grids and restoring power will require significant time and resources.
This tactic highlights Russia's broader approach to warfare, blending conventional military actions with environmental and logistical factors to achieve its goals. By weaponizing winter, Moscow aims to create a situation where survival becomes increasingly difficult for ordinary Ukrainians. The international community has condemned these attacks as war crimes, but enforcement remains challenging. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to rally support from allies, seeking both humanitarian aid and diplomatic pressure to counter Russia's actions.
For readers interested in global affairs, this story underscores the intersection of conflict, climate, and human resilience. It also raises critical questions about the role of infrastructure in modern warfare
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/22/2026