Kiev, 14 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - After nearly four years of war, the situation in Ukraine continues to worsen both at the front and for people across the country amid subzero temperatures, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday.

Zelensky said in his daily video address that Ukraine had been hit again by Russian attacks, with 18 ballistic missiles alone, and that combat drones and cruise missiles had also been used.

He said electricians had been working for weeks to keep the power grid running, adding that subzero temperatures posed extraordinary challenges.

The Ukrainian power grid has been severely damaged by repeated Russian strikes and blackouts are now routine. Citizens often spend hours each day without electricity or heating.

"Things are difficult everywhere right now, but at the front, they are the hardest," Zelensky said. "Considering the weather and the Russian efforts to pretend that the need to end this war does not concern them. Assaults continue. The defense of our positions continues," he added.

The country has been on the defensive for months and has recently had to give up additional positions in the east and south.

Photo: EPA