Russia stockpiling Shahed drones and preparing attacks: Zelenskyy warns of difficult winter

The head of the Ukrainian state noted that for Ukraine, winter essentially begins with the start of the heating season — the period when Russia intensifies attacks on critical infrastructure.

"We understand that we'll have many challenges, that's why we have to prepare. We need and we count on our partners so that we go together, not alone, through this winter, shoulder to shoulder," he added.

According to Zelenskyy, in case of problems with gas supplies, Ukraine is already preparing to import gas. About $2 billion is needed for this, and Ukrainian officials are on the way to resolving this issue.

The president also pointed out that as of today, Russia is not attacking Ukraine at the full extent of its capabilities — the enemy can launch more than 500 Shaheds per day.

"We understand that they collect, and we understand how they use this. I don't know what winter we will have," he clarified.

Strikes on Ukraine

Since September, Russian forces have begun striking Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

Amid these attacks, some regions of the country are already experiencing power supply problems. Energy providers in these regions are implementing hourly blackout schedules.

In particular, today, November 7, schedules are in effect in Kyiv, Kyiv region, Dnipropetrovsk region, Chernihiv region, Poltava region, Zhytomyr region, Kirovohrad region, Odesa region, Sumy region, and Mykolaiv region.

This year, the occupiers have changed their tactics for striking energy infrastructure. Previously, they attempted to cause a rapid nationwide blackout, while now they are slowly exhausting the energy system.

More details on what Ukraine may face regarding electricity this winter can be found in the RBC-Ukraine report.