Bitter cold, blackouts and shelling: Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis deepens

Millions of people in Ukraine currently have no electricity, light or heating, and winter is bringing temperatures well below freezing. ‘The situation is critical due to ongoing drone and shell attacks,’ says Bohdan, Security Officer at Dorcas Ukraine.

The situation in the city of Zaporizhzhia is particularly severe. ‘There are many damaged houses and apartment buildings that have become uninhabitable due to the shelling,’ explains Bohdan. The entire eastern region around Zaporizhzhia is close to the increasingly volatile front line. ‘The attacks make it unsafe to go outside. Essential services, such as electricity, frequently fail, often for more than ten hours a day.’

Bohdan and his colleagues have been visiting the city to assess where assistance is required. Life in these freezing temperatures is extremely tough. He explains: ‘Older people are finding it particularly hard to cope with the icy conditions, due to constant insecurity and their limited mobility.’

Emergency kits

The extreme cold can quickly become a ruthless enemy, particularly for young children, people with disabilities and older people. To support those in need, Dorcas provides portable emergency kits that enable people to cook, keep warm and maintain contact with family and emergency services.

Each kit contains:

• 1 × mini portable gas stove with gas cartridges for 3 months.
• 1 × rechargeable torch.
• 1 × thermal blanket.
• 1 × sleeping bag suitable for extreme cold.
• 1 × power bank.
• 1 × thermos flask.

Bohdan emphasises: ‘This support is urgently needed to ensure the safety and health of those on the front line.’

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07 February 2026