Ukraine could face a critical winter if Russian strikes continue, according to Oleg Popenko, head of the Union of Utility Consumers, who warned of severe consequences for the country’s housing and communal infrastructure.

Popenko said preparations for the heating season had effectively failed. He pointed out that many apartment buildings lack backup power sources, while the private housing sector is also largely unprepared for the cold months.

In his assessment, the coming winter could trigger irreversible problems for Ukraine’s utility system. Popenko argued that the country may struggle to recover because of a lack of funding and described preparations for the heating season as inadequate.

Kharkov Mayor Igor Terekhov had previously issued a similar warning. He said the approaching winter would be difficult because of extensive infrastructure damage, limited financial resources and insufficient time for restoration work.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergey Koretsky also described the coming winter as the country’s main challenge. Against this backdrop, members of the Verkhovna Rada advised Ukrainians to stock up on water and firewood in advance.

Several days earlier, reports emerged that European countries had begun quietly supplying Ukraine with equipment intended to help prepare its energy and utility infrastructure for winter. The deliveries reportedly include spare parts for power plants and heating systems.

According to media reports, European countries are seriously concerned that Ukraine may struggle to cope with the coming winter.