Ukraine War Disrupted by Powerful Blizzard

Harsh weather conditions in Ukraine, including a powerful blizzard, have brought the Russia-Ukraine war to a snail’s pace.

A blizzard ripped through the Black Sea region, including southern Ukraine and the Russia-occupied Crimea peninsula, on Sunday and Monday. At least 14 people were killed, while over 2 million residents were left without electricity, according to the Associated Press.

Nearly 10 inches of snow accumulated on the ground and multiple coastal communities experienced flooding, slowing both Russian and Ukrainian military operations. Tornadoes were forecast to hit the region on Tuesday. Other areas of Ukraine have also been experiencing wintry weather conditions.

Russian and Ukrainian ground forces are continuing their battles despite the difficult circumstances, while air missions have become increasingly complicated, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

“Despite the challenging weather conditions, both Russian and Ukrainian forces are continuing ground attacks throughout Ukraine, albeit at a slightly slower pace due to snow and resulting poor visibility,” according to the U.S.-based think tank’s report published Monday.

“Challenging winter conditions will force both sides to rely more heavily on infantry-led ground attacks in the absence of aerial reconnaissance and artillery correction capabilities,” ISW continues.

The ISW report also cites a Ukrainian claim that Russian forces from the embattled Donetsk settlement of Avdiivka to the Zaporizhzhia region have “reduced artillery use by one and a half times and drone use six times due to the weather,” while continuing to “heavily use aviation” near Avdiivka.

Newsweek reached out for comment to the Russian and Ukrainian ministries of defense via email on Tuesday.

Ukraine’s main counteroffensive is being fought in the south of the country, while Russian offensives have been focusing on areas that include Avdiivka. The British Ministry of Defense suggested in an intelligence update on Saturday that weather conditions would leave “few immediate prospects of major changes in the frontline” as winter sets in.

Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, on Monday shared to X, formerly Twitter, a short video showing Ukrainian troops advancing through a windy snowstorm. Gerashchenko’s post included the comment, “Our Defenders hold down the frontlines in these conditions.”

It is unclear whether harsh winter weather provides an advantage to the military of Ukraine or Russia. While frozen ground—hard enough to support vehicles like tanks—can benefit an attacking force, Ukrainian forces may be more adept at fighting under the conditions since they are on home soil.

Ukrainian military spokesperson Volodymyr Fitio recently said that the “main task” of Kyiv’s forces in harsh winter weather would be to disrupt Russian operations “so that they are hungry, cold, and have no desire to fight,” while warning that “the enemy should expect surprises from the sky.”

Russia may seek to repeat some of its tactics during last year’s winter assault, when it launched air assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, resulting in widespread blackouts. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s army has recently been stockpiling a large arsenal of missiles, drones and other weapons for the cold season.