In brief
Maxim Timchenko, the CEO of DTEK, Ukraine's major energy provider, reports that the ongoing Russian strikes have left the country's electricity grid in crisis mode, with long power outages affecting millions, especially in the cold winter months. As the conflict nears its fourth anniversary, the intensity of missile attacks on energy facilities continues to pose severe challenges for maintaining power and heat for Ukrainian families.
Ukraine's biggest energy provider is living in permanent crisis mode because of Russian attacks on the grid, its chief executive has told the BBC.
Most of Ukraine is suffering from lengthy power cuts as temperatures drop and Maxim Timchenko, whose company DTEK provides power for 5.6 million Ukrainians, says the intensity of strikes has been so frequent we just don't have time to recover.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Russia knew the winter cold could become one of its most dangerous weapons.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion approaches, Maxim Timchenko says Russia has repeatedly targeted DTEK's energy grid with waves of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles and his company has found it difficult to cope.
Life has been difficult, but people are very supportive of each other, says Yana, who is among those lucky enough still to have power. She has invited friends to her home to charge their phones.
Much of Odesa has been without power in recent days, leading to an increasing reliance on power banks and generators as citizens try to navigate daily life without electricity.
About 50% of Ukraine's energy is currently supplied by three large nuclear power plants, but the network that transfers that power has been severely damaged.
Finding spare parts for repairs has become a significant challenge for DTEK, with the provider sourcing equipment from across Europe after being unable to find parts domestically.
