Ukraine War: Candles in the Dark Amidst Energy Grid Attacks | NPR

Kyiv residents are facing a brutal winter as Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands without consistent access to heat, electricity, and water. The situation, described as the most challenging in recent times, has prompted Ukrainians to adapt to life in darkness and cold, relying on increasingly limited resources.

The ongoing attacks have caused more than $20 billion in direct damage to Ukraine’s energy sector, according to a joint estimate by the World Bank. Repeated strikes have disrupted essential services, forcing people to find alternative ways to cope with sub-freezing temperatures. As of January 30, 2026, temperatures in Kharkiv had plummeted to -21 degrees Celsius (-6 degrees Fahrenheit), marking a new low for the winter.

The impact extends beyond basic survival. The disruption of power has forced many to rely on candles for light, a practice that carries a symbolic weight for Ukrainians. Poet Iya Kiva, in a 2022 work reflecting on the beginning of the full-scale invasion, described February as “sobbing” and the image of a dripping candle as representative of loss and endurance.

Ukrainians are demonstrating resilience in the face of these challenges. Families are gathering to cook on portable stoves, layering clothing and blankets to stay warm, and using hot water bottles to insulate babies. Despite the hardships, a spirit of determination prevails, with many expressing confidence in their ability to withstand this phase of the conflict.

Recent reports indicate that attacks on the energy grid continue. An attack on Odesa in early January 24, 2026, caused “colossal destruction” to an energy facility, while in Kharkiv, approximately 40 percent of households were without electricity as of January 30, 2026. A Russian strike on a passenger train on the same day resulted in five fatalities.

The situation in Kyiv is particularly acute. As of January 24, 2026, much of the city was without heat, water, and power. Approximately 500,000 people in Kyiv were reportedly affected by the outages. The disruptions are occurring even as diplomatic efforts continue, with talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States taking place.

There have been conflicting reports regarding a potential pause in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid. Former U.S. President Trump claimed that President Putin had agreed to a “week-long” cessation of strikes, reportedly until February 1, 2026. However, the Kremlin’s statement on January 30, 2026, indicated that the agreement was contingent on the request originating from the Americans during talks in Abu Dhabi. Despite this reported agreement, attacks continued, including the strike on Odesa on January 24, 2026.

The ongoing crisis underscores the devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict. The deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure during the winter months is raising concerns about the well-being of the Ukrainian population and the potential for a worsening humanitarian situation. The situation is forcing Ukrainians to learn how to live in darkness and cold, highlighting the resilience of a nation facing immense hardship.

As of today, February 4, 2026, the situation remains critical, with no immediate resolution in sight. The continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the extent of the suffering endured by the Ukrainian people.