Oksana Zinkovska-Boyarska lives with daily power cuts in her Soviet-era apartment block on the outskirts of eastern Kyiv. The lifts often stop, the lights go out, and sometimes the pumps for the gas central heating fail. She has a big rechargeable battery pack to keep appliances functioning, but it costs €2,000 (£1,770) and lasts only so long. Her husband Ievgen, a lawyer, often works by torchlight, while their two-year-old daughter Katia plays by candlelight.

Amid air raids and cold darkness, Oksana expresses constant concern for Katia. I can't describe the animal fear when you take your child to the shelter during explosions. I have never felt anything like that, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. The thought that she might be scared because there is no light is terrible.

All across Ukraine, families are preparing for even tougher times ahead—with a long, cold winter ahead. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy of attacking power supplies and infrastructure aims to finish what was initiated during the invasion.

A recent drone and missile strike left much of the country without power. Consequently, Ukrainians now endure regular power cuts, lasting up to 16 hours a day. Winter temperatures can plummet to -20C, with a senior government figure predicting this winter could be the most brutal yet.

Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, a prominent energy company in Ukraine, remarked on Russia’s intensified attacks, stating they appear aimed at complete destruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. As such, the economic implications extend beyond discomfort, affecting daily living essentials such as food and work.