Russian-run areas of Ukraine face water, heat and housing woes - AP News
AP News
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine are grappling with a triple crisis: water scarcity, heating shortages, and housing instability. As winter approaches, residents face freezing temperatures due to disrupted gas supplies, which Russia has cut off, leaving many without central heating. Meanwhile, water systems have been severely damaged by shelling, leading to limited access for families already strained by the conflict. Housing conditions are deteriorating further as homes fall into disrepair and lack materials for repairs.
The root of these issues lies in the neglect of infrastructure under Russian occupation. With much of their focus on military operations, Russia has failed to maintain essential utilities, leaving civilians to cope with life-threatening conditions. In some areas, residents have gone without heating since September 2022, relying instead on dangerous makeshift solutions like generators and personal heaters. Water supply systems have been hit hard too, with damaged pipes and wells forcing families to ration their usage or rely on neighbors for access.
The housing crisis is another pressing concern. Many homes are uninhabitable due to damage from shelling, while others are abandoned as people flee the conflict. The lack of construction materials has made it impossible for many to repair their homes, leaving families in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. These challenges underscore the
Verticals
newsgeneral
Originally published on AP News on 2/20/2026