Hypothermia Deaths Rise in Ukraine Amid Intense Russian Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

Kyiv. The number of deaths due to hypothermia (extreme cold) is increasing amidst harsh winter conditions following Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Continuous drone and missile strikes have left millions of citizens deprived of electricity, hot water, and central heating systems.

On the night of January 9, Russia launched 242 drones and 36 missiles. This included the 'Oreshnik' ballistic missile, which Putin described as being like a meteor. It is claimed that Western air defense systems cannot intercept this missile. Four people were killed and dozens injured in the attack, and a large amount of energy infrastructure was destroyed.

Dozens of such attacks since 2022 have been disrupting electricity and heat supply across the country. As temperatures drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius, roads and the Dnieper River have frozen over with thick ice.

Humanitarian organizations have urged that restoring energy be treated as an emergency priority, similar to wartime efforts. Otherwise, they have warned that deaths due to the cold will increase further.