A senior United Nations official has warned that Ukraine faces its most difficult winter since Russia's full-scale invasion, citing concerns over the systematic destruction of civilian and energy infrastructure.
Alexander De Croo, identified as a former prime minister of Belgium and a senior UN official, told the BBC that Ukraine is entering the winter season from a "very weak base." He expressed significant worry about the potential humanitarian impact, describing the situation as potentially leading to circumstances "really close to humanitarian catastrophe."
Winter temperatures in Ukraine can plummet to -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). According to De Croo, if power supplies and critical infrastructure are severely damaged, it could result in considerable human suffering, impacting heating, water, and sewage systems. He noted that Russia's targeting of such infrastructure, including energy transmission lines, petrol stations, and business centers, lacks any justification.
Efforts are underway to prepare Ukraine for the challenges ahead. The UN Development Programme is actively involved in rebuilding damaged energy systems and establishing more decentralized and resilient energy plants that are less vulnerable to attacks. However, De Croo described this work as an "almost impossible task," as reconstruction efforts must proceed under constant air alarms, with workers aware that their sites could become targets. This inherent danger disrupts work schedules, as safety concerns can halt operations.
IMAGE2: Workers from the Ukrainian energy company DTEK perform repairs at an electrical substation in Kyiv, Ukraine, 21 January 2026, amid the Russian invasion. | Workers from the Ukrainian energy company DTEK perform repairs at an electrical substation in Kyiv, Ukraine, 21 January 2026, amid the Russian invasion.