Winter's Grip: Ukraine's Hardest Cold Season Yet

This winter has been the most brutal of the four years of war for Ukrainians. Relentless Russian attacks on power plants, heating stations, and the electric grid have left millions without heat, electricity, or reliable warmth during one of the coldest periods in recent memory.

Conditions in Odesa

In the southern port city of Odesa, where Caleb Suko is serving, temperatures hover around 31 degrees Fahrenheit. Recent freezing rain has coated streets and sidewalks in dangerous ice. While milder than northern cities like Kyiv, Odesa still suffers frequent power outages that plunge neighborhoods into darkness for hours or full days. Generators run constantly, but many apartment buildings remain unlit and unheated after sunset.

Targeted Attacks on Civilians

These blackouts are intentional. Strikes systematically target energy and heating infrastructure, inflicting the greatest suffering on women, children, and ordinary families. The brief “ceasefire” offered almost no relief—civilian deaths reportedly increased during that period. In Kyiv and northern regions, nighttime lows drop into the single digits Fahrenheit, leaving districts without heat or hot water for days or weeks.

Dennis’s Story: Enduring Without Heat

Caleb spoke with his friend Denis, whose family spent an entire winter without heating after attacks damaged their building’s energy supply. Indoor temperatures fell to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit by day and lower at night, with visible breath in the air. Dampness bred mold on walls, shoes, and even clothes. Safety fears prevented using gas stoves for heat, causing headaches. Eventually the conditions forced the family to relocate to an apartment with heating—a difficult but necessary decision. Thousands face similar unrelenting cold, mold, health risks, and emotional strain.

Resilience and Hope

Ukrainians show extraordinary resilience, supporting neighbors, sharing resources, and holding on through community and faith. This winter tests the nation severely, yet endurance persists.

The Gospel Today’s Mission

In Odesa, The Gospel Today remains focused on bringing the hope of Jesus Christ through gospel-centered resources, evangelism training, discipleship materials, and occasional humanitarian aid—equipping believers and reaching hearts in the darkest days.

How You Can Help

Please pray for:
- Warmth, safety, and provision for families across Ukraine
- Protection from further attacks on civilian infrastructure
- Open hearts to receive the gospel amid suffering

You can also:
- Give financially to support gospel outreach and discipleship in this challenging context

Thank you for standing with Ukraine and with the work of sharing Christ’s hope this challenging winter.

‍