Ukraine

09 June 2026

Kostiantynivka, a key stronghold in a chain of fortified cities in Donbas known as 'Fortress Belt', has come under increasing Russian pressure from the south and southwest in May–June. The remaining 2,500 residents rely on just two operational wells, one supplying drinking water. The situation is worsening because of continued infiltration attempts, intensified attacks on supply routes, and strikes involving prohibited phosphorus munitions, which are subject to international restrictions. (Babel 04/06/2026, Ukrinform 09/06/2026, Ukrinform 21/04/2026

18 May 2026

The 2,000 remaining residents in Oleshky, a besieged frontline city in the Russian-occupied part of Kherson oblast, are experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with lack of access to food and healthcare. The city remains inaccessible because of mined roads, with the last food supply delivered on 17 February 2026. There is a risk of disease outbreaks caused by the inability to bury the dead and limited evacuation options. (Kyiv Independent 15/04/2026, Glavcom 23/04/2026, Hromadske 12/05/2026)

23 April 2026

Russian forces advanced within 15km of the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk area by the end of March, resulting in increased civilian fatalities in Kramatorskyi raion by almost threefold compared to the same period in 2025. Over 600 people were evacuated from Sloviansk in the week of 24–31 March alone – three times the previous week and at rates higher than throughout the winter – prompting an increase in cash aid for evacuation in transit sites from 10,800 to 12,300 UAH by 1 April to account for increased displacement costs. (Reuters 20/03/2026, ACLED 15/04/2026, Free Radio 31/03/2026)

20 January 2026

On 19 January 2026, Russian missile and drone strikes caused power, heating, and water outages for at least 5,600 high-rise buildings in Kyiv amid prolonged deep frost conditions and temperatures as low as −15° C. Russia's campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, averaging more than 36 attacks per week nationwide, is among the highest levels since February 2022, affecting Chernihivska, Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Kharkivska, Kyivska, and Odeska oblasts and Kyiv city the most. Ukraine faces a 40% power capacity deficit nationwide, with only 11GW available of the 18GW required. In response to the worsening crisis, the Ukrainian Government, for the first time, has declared a national energy emergency and is supporting civilians with charging stations, warmth, hot drinks, and psychosocial support. That said, repeated blackouts, limited heating, and prolonged cold exposure may overwhelm services, worsen winter-related health conditions, and increase vulnerability, especially among older adults and children. ACLED accessed 15/01/2026, UNICEF 16/01/2026, Ukrinform 20/01/2026)

11 December 2025

Russian forces struck a Kherson thermal power station on 3 December 2025 with over 100 weapons, including drones and artillery, severely damaging equipment and halting operations. Repairs are impossible owing to security risks. Around 40,000 residents in 470 apartment buildings have lost heating, while those in the Dniprovskyi, Korabelnyi, and Tsentralnyi raions already face limited heating, electricity, gas, and water. These outages and insufficient household heating increase risks of winter illnesses and restrict access to essential food and water. (WHO 05/12/2025, Interfax 06/12/2025, Suspilne 25/11/2025)

10 November 2025

From 7–8 November 2025, Russian forces launched 45 missiles and 458 drones targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure countrywide. The attack targeted several types of energy facilities, including the thermal power plants and substations that power the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear power plants. The attack disrupted electricity, heating, and water supplies in several cities and led to prolonged power outages that lasted between 8–16 hours across most of the country. (Ukrainska Pravda 08/11/2025, TKI 08/11/2025, The Guardian 09/11/2025)

24 October 2025

On 22 October 2025, Russian forces launched 405 drones and 28 missiles targeting energy infrastructure in Cherkaska, Chernihivska, Kirovohradska, Kyivska, and Odeska, Poltavska oblasts and Kyiv city, causing civilian casualties and triggering emergency power cuts. This comes after three recent waves of attacks on energy infrastructure on 5, 10, and 16 October caused similar impacts in Kyiv city and Cherkaska, Chernihivska, Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Kharkivska, Kyivska, Odeska, Poltavska, and Sumska oblasts. These attacks signal a renewed Russian campaign targeting Ukraine's energy system heading into the 2025–2026 cold season. (Ekonomichna Pravda 22/10/2025, LB 22/10/2025, Suspilne 10/10/2025)