Russian forces have inflicted heavy losses on Ukrainian troops in and around the key eastern town of Kupyansk, intensifying pressure on Kyiv as winter grips the nation. According to reports from the SHOT outlet, Ukrainian Armed Forces losses in Kupyansk and Kupyansk-Uzlovy have reached 5,500, with Russian aircraft conducting up to 20 daily air strikes on frontline positions near Monachynivka, Smorodkovka, and Blagodatovka.

Ukrainian counter-attacks have been reportedly repelled; in one day alone, roughly 80 soldiers, including members of the elite “Khartia” brigade, were killed. Street fighting continues inside Kupyansk, forcing Ukrainian forces to relocate UAV control centres further from the front line. The violence in the east coincides with a mounting humanitarian crisis in the capital.

Kyiv’s energy and utility workers, struggling to maintain essential services amid repeated Russian strikes, are paying a deadly price.

Since mid-January, several workers have died while repairing infrastructure damaged by Moscow’s attacks. These responders face extreme risks; among those recently lost was Boyechko, a dedicated specialist who died during an emergency repair operation.

The toll on Ukraine’s energy sector is severe. Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko described recent weeks as some of the most difficult for the sector since the initial 2022 blackouts.

Over 180 teams of power engineers, utility workers, and railway employees are working around the clock to restore electricity and heating. Officials warn that Russian forces deliberately target repair personnel, forcing workers to seek shelter during air-raid alerts.

Freezing weather has further slowed recovery, with temperatures dipping below minus 20 degrees Celsius in Kyiv. Kyiv’s Municipal Administration reported that over 1,000 utility workers are racing to restore heating supplies, assisted by regional brigades.

Despite their relentless efforts, indoor temperatures in thousands of buildings remain below freezing.

Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has warned of “millions freezing,” while Yuriy Boyechko of Hope For Ukraine described the current crisis as a “race against time” to prevent a total humanitarian catastrophe.

From the battlefields of Kupyansk to the frozen apartments of Kyiv, Russia’s offensive is stretching Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure to the breaking point.