23:01 26-01-2026

Cold Weather Disrupts Ukrainian Frontline Operations

Zеlеnskiу / Оfficiаl / Telegram

Severe cold and snow are hampering Ukrainian troops, drone operations and engineering works on the front line, increasing risks and strain, NYT reports.

Ukrainian troops on the front line are facing added strain as weather conditions deteriorate, according to a report by The New York Times, which cites servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The newspaper notes that severe cold is significantly complicating frontline operations. Soldiers are finding it harder to move and carry out combat tasks, while harsh weather is also affecting military hardware. This includes unmanned aerial vehicles, which have become a critical tool along the line of contact.

The report explains that low temperatures reduce battery performance, shortening operational time, while snowfall can cause some drones to fail altogether. These factors, the newspaper warns, increase the risk of enemy advances.

NYT also refers to comments from a Ukrainian UAV operator, a sergeant known by the call sign «Sol,» who described snow as a serious obstacle for his unit. He stressed that adverse weather and sensitive equipment are fundamentally incompatible, making effective drone operations far more difficult.

In addition, the publication highlights engineering challenges faced by Ukrainian forces. Due to the constant threat posed by drone strikes, troops are forced to deepen bunkers and shelters. However, frozen ground sharply complicates these efforts, turning routine fortification work into a labor-intensive and time-consuming task.