Kyiv is bracing for the coming winter by preparing for a new wave of Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. Mayor Vitali Klitschko is warning residents to expect “survival mode”, as recent Russian strikes have hit the capital’s energy grid, bridges, and other vital facilities. In response, the city is putting alternative transport routes in place, organizing backup heating sources, and stockpiling fuel, food, and water.
Klitschko warns of a difficult winter ahead
“Survival is the question today,” Klitschko told AFP, responding to the increased intensity of Russian attacks, which he says are hitting more and more infrastructure essential for the city’s daily life.
The preparations come as Kyiv faces a season when energy needs are at their peak. Falling temperatures will mean greater demand for electricity and heating, and prolonged outages could make life much harder for the population.
The Ukrainian government has previously stated that Kyiv has updated its resilience plan for the 2026/2027 heating season. This plan includes alternative energy sources and measures to protect critical infrastructure.
Russia targets Kyiv’s bridges
Recent weeks have seen a new focus on attacks against bridges crossing the Dnipro River.
Bridges connect different parts of the nearly three-million-strong capital, and damage to them could seriously disrupt transportation. Klitschko highlighted that keeping links between the left and right banks is crucial for Kyiv’s functioning.
To counter this, the city is preparing alternative pontoon crossings, which could help maintain connections if main transport infrastructure is destroyed.
These attacks on bridges mark a shift from previous phases of the war. In recent days, Russian drones have repeatedly targeted Dnipro River bridges and other transport structures.
Power outages hit Kyiv Metro
The disruptions are not limited to road transport.
Following one recent attack, Kyiv experienced power outages that caused the Metro to stop running for several hours. Some areas of the city also faced interruptions to water supply.
Klitschko also warned that further damage to the water infrastructure could lead to larger-scale problems.
As a result, Kyiv is stockpiling fuel, food, and drinking water, and preparing backup heating systems. The aim is to ensure the city can keep running even if Russian attacks cause new damage to the energy network.
Energy remains Kyiv’s biggest concern ahead of winter
Russia has repeatedly attacked Ukraine’s power plants, substations, and other energy facilities in the past. Ahead of the winter of 2026/2027, Ukraine is preparing for further risks to its grid.
The situation is made more difficult by the state of Ukraine’s air defenses. Reports indicate Kyiv is especially in need of missiles for its Patriot air defense systems, which are a key part of the city’s protection against ballistic missile attacks.
This problem with available interceptors was highlighted in our earlier report, “Ukraine is running out of Patriot Missiles. Russia is striking with growing intensity as winter approaches.”
Kyiv wants to avoid repeating last winter’s worst scenarios
In previous winters, Ukrainian cities faced large-scale power and heating outages after Russian missile and drone strikes.
The situation in Kyiv can be especially sensitive due to the city’s size and dependency on centralized power and heating infrastructure.
The International Energy Agency has warned in the past that attacks on Ukraine’s energy system increase the risk of electricity shortages during the winter months. During low temperatures, demand for both power and heating rises sharply.
City authorities prepare contingency measures
Kyiv’s leaders are not waiting for winter to arrive before acting.
Alongside gathering fuel and food supplies, the city is planning alternative sources of heating and power. Special focus is being given to sites that form part of critical infrastructure.
The goal is for the failure of one facility not to mean a prolonged outage for a large part of the city.
The Ukrainian government says that protecting energy infrastructure and ensuring backup sources must be part of Kyiv’s broader resilience planning.
Without air defenses, the situation could be far worse
Klitschko warns that city preparations alone may not be enough.
If air defenses are not functioning sufficiently, Kyiv could face more strikes against energy and transport sites. Strengthening air defense remains one of Ukraine’s main requests to its international partners.
Germany has already announced further financial and military support for Ukraine, including funding for defensive drones and repairs to damaged energy facilities. We reported on this support in “Germany pledges one billion euros to Ukraine for weapons and defensive drones.”
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
