Ukraine is approaching its third winter under full-scale war, and President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined severe challenges ahead. In a statement, he warned that the coming season could be the most difficult since the invasion began.
Zelensky publicly acknowledged for the first time the prospect of a large-scale Russian mobilization in the fall, stating: 'No drones can replace a soldier.'
Key Hurdles in the Coming Months
According to Zelensky, Ukraine faces the following critical issues:
- Government personnel reshuffles;
- A shortage of air defense missiles;
- Likely mass mobilization in Russia;
- Threats both on the front line and on the home front.
The president emphasized that this winter will be exceptionally harsh, possibly the toughest of the entire full-scale war period.
Energy Sector and Mobilization Dynamics
Zelensky highlighted a shift in Russian attack priorities, with most strikes now targeting heat-generation infrastructure. In Kyiv, parts of the thermal energy network are critically damaged, and some facilities are privately owned, making repairs complicated due to legal restrictions on state intervention. The city has submitted an updated Resilience Plan aimed at preparing for the 2026–2027 heating season, with nearly 4 billion hryvnias allocated from the state budget reserve fund for this purpose.
Ukraine has secured funding to purchase missiles for the Patriot system, but supply remains insufficient. Russia continues to ramp up production of ballistic missiles. Ukrainian intelligence reports that after the State Duma elections, the Kremlin could mobilize hundreds of thousands of additional troops.
At the same time, Ukraine's own mobilization efforts will intensify. Expert Andriy Horodnytskyi noted that only about one-third of mobilized Ukrainians actually reach the front lines.
In preparation for winter, Ukraine's energy sector will receive an additional €1 billion in support, as announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. He also stressed the importance of recent cabinet changes, noting that the new prime minister has experience managing the energy industry.
These challenges reflect mounting pressure on both the front and the rear, underscoring the need for a robust response to Russian threats. Winter preparation and energy infrastructure restoration have become critical national priorities, as the season could prove decisive in the ongoing conflict. The financial commitments to the energy sector and the government reshuffle signal the seriousness of the situation and the necessity to adapt to new realities.