Ukraine in January 2026: the most important developments in society
In Ukraine in January 2026, the winter energy crisis dominated daily life. After Russian attacks on the energy system, Kyiv closed schools for weeks amid freezing temperatures and blackouts. On 25 January the city's mayor said 1,676 buildings were still without heating, and he warned of a possible humanitarian catastrophe. Residents were told to use cat litter for toilets. A fundraiser in Poland raised about $2 million for generators for Kyiv, and Saudi Arabia sent medical equipment. Critics, including a Ukrainian MP, said President Volodymyr Zelensky was unable to cope with the blackouts. Frost and ice also threatened winter crops.
The human toll of the war stayed in view. The UN said 2025 was the deadliest year for Ukrainian civilians since 2022, and it appealed for $2.3 billion to support aid teams. A Russian strike killed six people in eastern Ukraine on 23 January.
Support abroad came under question. A petition against funding for Ukraine was launched in Hungary, and Poland moved to phase out special benefits for Ukrainian refugees. Many young Ukrainian men were reported leaving for Poland. On 27 January Zelensky marked Holocaust Remembrance Day at Babyn Yar together with Ukrainian rabbis.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
Click a day in the chart above for that day's brief.