Ukraine reports increase in hypothermia-related deaths amid ongoing Russian attacks

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At least 10 Ukrainians have died from cold-related illnesses due to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure. The assaults, which began in January, have resulted in widespread power outages and disruptions to heating systems.

On January 9, a drone attack hit an apartment building in eastern Kyiv, causing significant damage and injuring emergency medic Serhiy Smolyak. Thirty minutes later, a second blast outside the building killed Smolyak and wounded his colleagues. The incident was one of several attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure that night, which also included 242 drones and 36 missiles.

The Russian military has launched numerous drone and missile attacks since 2022, resulting in millions of people losing access to heat, power, and running water. Winter temperatures have dropped below -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), causing widespread disruptions to daily life.

According to reports, at least 10 “white deaths” from hypothermia have been reported in the Ternopil and Rivne regions, where infrastructure damage is less extensive than in other parts of Ukraine. The pre-war population of these regions was approximately 2.1 million, or about 5% of Ukraine’s total pre-war population.

The United Nations has warned that children are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures, citing the risk of hypothermia and respiratory illness. A recent report from UNICEF noted that newborns and infants lose body heat rapidly and can quickly become life-threatening without adequate warmth and medical care.

In addition to hypothermia-related deaths, there have been reports of carbon monoxide poisoning due to indoor burning of wood and coal, as well as cases of frostbite and pneumonia. The Russian military’s campaign has also taken a toll on Ukraine’s mental health, with millions reporting sleep disturbances and anxiety caused by the constant sound of drones and air defenses.

The exact number of deaths and injuries resulting from Russia’s attacks is not yet known, but officials have confirmed that at least 10 people have died from cold-related illnesses.

Source: Al Jazeera