Ukraine War Enters Fifth Year as Kyiv Faces Brutal Winter
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, the situation is growing increasingly dire, particularly for civilians in the capital, Kyiv. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, describes the current reality as a “disgrace for humanity” and a tragedy unfolding with escalating severity.
Speaking to Vatican News, Archbishop Shevchuk reflected on the fourth anniversary of the large-scale invasion, stating, “Here’s a tragic anniversary. No one could have imagined a war in Europe lasting four years.” He clarified that this fourth anniversary marks only the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, noting that the conflict actually began in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea and parts of eastern Donbas.
The Archbishop emphasized the worsening conditions, stating, “We are facing a real tragedy, which has been getting worse in recent months. The number of civilians killed and wounded continues to rise.” He observed that the situation is more dramatic now than even at the beginning of the 2022 invasion, particularly during this winter in Kyiv.
Kyiv Under Siege: A Modern “Kholodomor”
Archbishop Shevchuk painted a grim picture of life in Kyiv, where a deliberate campaign to destroy essential infrastructure has left residents facing a brutal winter. He described the situation as a modern iteration of the “Holodomor,” the Ukrainian term for genocide through artificial famine, but this time inflicted through the deliberate targeting of heating and electricity systems.
“This winter is the harshest in a decade: the temperature in Kyiv has dropped to twenty degrees below zero,” he explained. “The Russians are methodically destroying the vital infrastructure of Ukrainian cities, particularly the capital.”
Kyiv, with a population of almost four million, relies on a centralized heating and electricity system. Power stations, many built during the Soviet era, have been systematically targeted and destroyed. As temperatures plummeted, electricity and hot water supplies were cut off, causing pipes to freeze and burst, and sanitation systems to fail, trapping thousands in their homes.
In response, “Resilience Centres” have been established in schools, nurseries, and even the basement of the Archbishop’s cathedral, offering warmth, electricity for charging devices, and a sense of community. The cathedral’s semi-basement shelter, powered by a generator running almost twenty hours a day, has become a lifeline for many, providing shelter and essential supplies.
The mayor of Kyiv has urged those who can to evacuate temporarily, with an estimated half a million people having left the city. However, many remain, unable or unwilling to abandon their lives and livelihoods.
Resilience Amidst Suffering
Despite the immense hardship, Archbishop Shevchuk noted a remarkable resilience among the Ukrainian people. He observed that, contrary to expectations, many are choosing to stay and resist, and that the will to resist is growing with each attack.
He recounted a poignant story of a five-year-old boy who, when asked if he was cold, replied, “If I can beat the cold, Ukraine will win too.” This, the Archbishop said, embodies the spirit of the entire nation.
However, he acknowledged the growing pain and loss, noting that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since the invasion began, with a 31% increase in civilian deaths and injuries compared to 2024, and a 70% increase compared to 2023. He lamented that the number of civilian casualties often rises alongside discussions of peace agreements.
The Church’s Response and International Solidarity
Archbishop Shevchuk emphasized the Church’s unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine, noting that all members of the community – priests, religious, and laypeople – are suffering together. He described a support program for priests and consecrated persons, acknowledging the trauma they are experiencing and the difficulty they have in taking time for themselves.
He also highlighted the crucial role of international solidarity, recalling a particularly moving example of support from Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Krakow, who organized a collection that quickly raised approximately €235,000 for generators to be sent to Kyiv. He noted that the Polish Bishops’ Conference and the Italian Bishops’ Conference through Caritas have also provided significant aid.
“Today, we are experiencing a wave of solidarity that goes beyond financial support,” he said. “It is important for us that all European parishes talk about the suffering of Kyiv, because Christian memory and prayer have been able to stir consciences and hearts.”
A Call for Peace
On this fourth anniversary, Archbishop Shevchuk issued a stark message to the international community: “The fourth anniversary of this war is a disgrace for humanity. It is shameful that, in four years, the international community has failed to stop the aggressor’s deadly hand.”
He implored everyone – politicians, church leaders, diplomats, and military personnel – to do their part to stop the aggression and build peace. “Then another time will come: that of healing the trauma and rebuilding what the war has destroyed,” he said. He concluded with a plea: “Orate pro nobis. Pray for us.”
