As the world welcomed 2026, Ukraine entered its fourth New Year under the shadow of a relentless war, with citizens across the nation expressing a singular, profound wish for peace amidst ongoing hardship. The festive spirit was dampened by intensified Russian strikes on energy infrastructure during the winter of 2025, plunging thousands into darkness and cold, and forcing a resilient population to adapt to a life they describe as "hell."
Winter Darkness Grips Kyiv Region
The assault on Ukraine's power grid reached a critical point in the closing months of 2025. Over 2,600 homes in the Kyiv region alone were left without electricity during sub-zero temperatures, a stark reminder of the war's toll on civilian life. In the Kyiv suburb of Vyshhorod, residents endured a gruelling four-day blackout that only ended just before the New Year's celebrations could begin.
Kostiantyn Biden, a local ceiling fitter, encapsulated the collective exhaustion. His building lost both power and water during the outage. "What else can we wish for? At a time like this, nothing else comes to mind," he told AFP, echoing the desire for the war to end "as soon as possible." The attacks have been near-daily since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with drones and missiles continuing to pound cities and towns.
Adapting to a New Reality: Life Amidst Conflict
Despite the unstable and dangerous conditions, daily life persists with remarkable tenacity. Daria Lushchyk, the manager of a beauty salon in Vyshhorod, shared the challenges of operating from a shelter during power cuts. Yet, she noted, clients still arrive. "Everyone has somehow adapted and understands that stopping is absolutely not an option," Lushchyk said. She witnessed a defiant spirit, adding, "Nothing can stop our Ukrainian girls from coming in and getting themselves glam."
Her wish for 2026 was simple: "Of course, peace." She cautiously added that she finds it unwise to say wishes out loud, "or they might not come true." This sentiment of cautious hope was widespread. Pensioner Neonila explained how Ukrainians have learned to live with recurring blackouts, relying on candlelight and mobile phone torches. However, the New Year brought her little joy. "We’ll mark it quietly at home, without any extravagance," she admitted.
Community Resilience and a Hope for Light
Local authorities have attempted to mitigate the crisis by setting up "resilience centres" during blackouts, such as those in Vyshhorod, where residents could charge phones and access basic services. The town itself has faced heavy bombardment. Longtime resident Ivan Oleksiiovych described the attacks to AFP as senseless and "stupid."
Looking ahead to 2026, plans are fragile. Neonila was reluctant to make any, stating she had few wishes for the coming year. "That there be light," she said. "Everything else will follow." This simple plea underscores the basic needs still being fought for. Meanwhile, Russia has consistently denied targeting civilians, referring to its invasion as a "special military operation" aimed at curbing NATO's expansion—a claim firmly rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies as a baseless pretext for war.
As Ukraine steps into another year of conflict, the unwavering resilience of its people shines through the darkness, their collective voice united in a single, powerful demand for an end to the violence and a return to normalcy.
