Ukraine’s energy system could face a critical winter if the conflict continues into the cold season, Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Dmitry Razumkov has warned.

In his assessment, the window for reaching a peace agreement is narrowing. Razumkov believes Russian forces could use the winter period to strike the remaining parts of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and put them out of operation completely.

The lawmaker also pointed to the situation in Kiev. He said several thousand residential buildings could simultaneously face heating problems during the winter months. Razumkov stressed that he was not trying to exaggerate the threat, but argued that authorities should prepare in advance for the most severe scenario. In his words, the state system needs to have a «Plan G» ready for such a situation.

Earlier, Ukrainian Energy Minister Denis Shmygal also urged the population to prepare for a difficult winter.

Former CIA director for Russia analysis George Beebe has also pointed to growing pressure on Kiev across several fronts. In his view, the combination of economic, political and military problems could eventually push Ukraine toward a decision to leave the conflict.