Ukraine is preparing for what could be the most challenging winter since the war with Russia began, as the country struggles with a critical need for air defense systems and other military support. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently emphasized the importance of securing military and humanitarian aid to survive the winter during a visit to Norway. Ukraine’s energy system has been severely weakened, with electricity production capacity dropping below 10 gigawatts (GW) after the winter of 2026, according to Energy Minister Denys Shmygal. The government aims to boost this to 21.4 GW by year's end, though the task remains daunting. Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine had over 50 GW of electricity production capacity. However, this has been drastically reduced due to repeated attacks on energy infrastructure. Russia has intensified its strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector, targeting thermal power plants and electrical substations. In response, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced plans for large-scale attacks on energy installations, citing the Ukrainian government’s ongoing strikes as justification. Ukraine has developed a plan to protect and decentralize its energy system, including the installation of renewable energy sources, small gas plants, and enhanced infrastructure protection. However, the plan is progressing slowly due to a lack of funding. The government has only allocated 1.2 billion euros out of the 5.4 billion needed to implement the strategy fully. Ukraine is also facing a shortage of interceptors, which could leave its energy infrastructure vulnerable to further attacks. Russia has increased its production of ballistic missiles, while Ukraine struggles to replenish its stock of interceptors. The exact number of available interceptors is not disclosed to prevent Russia from gaining strategic information. Zelensky is particularly focused on acquiring Patriot interceptors, but the authorization to produce them in Ukraine, previously promised by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has not yet been realized. Despite these challenges, Ukraine’s allies have announced new support measures. The United Kingdom has pledged 100 million pounds (116.5 million euros) for air defense, while Canada has allocated 350 million Canadian dollars (218 million euros) to help purchase the Patriot system. However, not all infrastructure can be protected, especially large thermal power plants in Kyiv, which are more vulnerable due to their size. In addition to energy infrastructure, Russian forces have begun targeting water treatment systems, further complicating the situation. In Kyiv, around 2,500 of the 15,000 buildings lack backup heating, prompting efforts to install renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines, which are more resilient than large power plants. Beyond energy, Ukraine is also grappling with disruptions to its transportation and supply chains. Russian strikes on storage facilities and transport routes have led to empty supermarket shelves and fears of shortages this winter. While the government remains optimistic, stating there is no indication of an unprecedented collapse, it acknowledges that the coming winter will be extremely difficult for the population.