Is Russia trying to win the war in Ukraine by weaponising winter? | The Stream

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters its tenth month and winter sets in, Ukrainians are bracing themselves for a long season without heat and water. For months, Russia has been targeting Ukraine's power plants and pipelines through repeated aerial bombardments.

Now, more than 10 million people across the country (a quarter of the population) are without power and half of the country’s energy infrastructure is either damaged or destroyed.

Russia has denied targeting civilians and said its attacks are aimed at the "military command system of Ukraine and related energy facilities". But analysts say the goal appears to be to demoralise the population and pressure Ukrainian officials into concessions. However, the repeated bombings appear to have actually strengthened Ukrainian resolve against Russia.

Meanwhile, fighting on the is forecast to slow due to cold and snowy conditions, as both Ukrainian and Russian soldiers struggle to avoid frostbite and weapon malfunctions. Several Ukrainian allies have already been sending clothing, medicine, generators and other supplies, but officials are pushing for more high-tech weaponry to help them gain the upper hand over the Russians.

What happens next depends on the strength of foreign aid and the resolve of both Russia and Ukraine. In this episode of the Stream, we'll discuss the weaponization of winter, how Ukrainians are reacting and what lies ahead.

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