Winter 2025 may become the darkest: experts warn of new blackouts
10 October 2025 16:34
Last night , Russia launched another massive attack on Ukraine’s energy and gas facilities. According to the Ministry of Energy, several energy companies came under enemy fire at once, including hydroelectric power plants and power distribution facilities. In some regions, there were emergency power outages.
This is not the first large-scale attack on the country’s energy system – Russia carried out similar attacks in the winter of 2022-2023, trying to plunge Ukraine into blackouts and cold.
The threat of a cold winter
Economist Andriy Novak in a commentary
“It is already clear that Russia has adopted this tactic to make this winter not just blackouts for Ukrainians and throughout Ukraine, but a cold winter without light. And it is not usual that this is called terror of the civilian population under international law. That is, Russia is not at war with the army, but it is at war with the civilian population, with civilian objects that have nothing to do with the army,” the expert says.
In his opinion, Ukraine should prepare for a winter similar to the most difficult one in 2022-2023.
“Obviously, we need to prepare for a winter similar to the winter of 2022-2023. The consequences will be approximately the same, and possibly even worse, given that the number of attacks by various means is even higher now than it was at the end of 2022,” Novak adds.
According to him, Ukrainians need to be prepared and stock up on various energy sources and generators, and keep their power banks charged at all times.
“Many people will probably be better off moving to their relatives in the countryside if possible, because it is easier to survive in such conditions on firewood and coal,” the expert advised.
A blow to the economy
Novak also emphasized that the energy sector will be hit harder than ever before: production shutdowns, logistics disruptions and business losses are all inevitable consequences of prolonged blackouts.
“Of course, based on the experience of the winter of 2022-2023, each enterprise has already somehow adapted alternative energy sources. They have installed solid fuel boilers, generators, diesel and gasoline generators,” the economist explained.
But, according to him, it is simply impossible to fully compensate for the lack of electricity, especially for a long time, especially at large-scale production facilities.
“Therefore, the absence of electricity means, among other things, direct production losses, losses in logistics, slowdown of logistics routes, so the economic losses from blackouts will certainly be quite significant,” Novak emphasized.
Nevertheless, he is convinced that Ukraine will be able to survive even the most difficult winter, as international partners are already providing and will continue to provide substantial assistance in the form of energy equipment and financing.
“Countries are providing and will continue to provide both direct logistical assistance with energy equipment and financial aid to support the Ukrainian energy sector.
Therefore, in any case, we will survive even a very difficult winter,” Novak summarized.
“The goal is obvious – to leave big cities without heat”
Energy expert Volodymyr Omelchenko in a commentary
“Well, nothing unexpected happened. I mean
everything was foreseen and predicted. I mean, it is clear that Russia will continue to shell the Ukrainian energy infrastructure. It is clear for what purpose, for terrorist purposes,” he said.
According to him, at least four hydroelectric power plants, electricity distribution systems and thermal power plants, as well as gas production facilities were damaged in the latest attack.
“We feel it in Kyiv. I can’t say anything more today, but I think that the situation with energy supply is not critical yet. It is not critical, because we had a certain surplus of capacity. But we need to assess how much the destruction has damaged the system. This needs to be addressed at the government level,” explained Omelchenko.
He also reminded that enemy missiles and drones were aimed not only at power plants, but also at gas production facilities and combined heat and power plants.
“It is a shame that, well, it is expected that Russia wants to leave large cities without heat supply. That’s why they shelled gas production, and now they’ve shelled CHP plants. The goal is clear and was absolutely obvious,” the expert emphasized.
Ukraine is preparing for the most difficult energy winter
Despite the constant threats, power engineers are working to restore damaged facilities, and the government is working to strengthen the energy security system.
Experts are unanimous: Russia will not give up its energy terror, but Ukraine already has the experience and support of its partners to withstand new challenges.
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