Frost and fury: Ukrainian winter challenges Russian advance
Unian Agency highlights the prevailing weather conditions in Ukraine. For instance, in the Kharkiv region, significant snowfall has occurred for the first time this winter, with temperatures remaining well below freezing. Military officials explain how this will impact front-line operations, particularly Russian movements.
"It will certainly have a significant impact on the enemy's operations, as they are attempting to advance while we are on the defense. Naturally, such weather conditions are important because the enemy is freezing, trying to operate in the snow, and becoming more visible. The enemy is suffering, as they should," said Yevhen Romanov, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military group in Kharkiv.
Winter is a major adversary for the Russians
The Russians find themselves in a difficult situation not only because they are the attacking side. Their problem, as shown in the previous two winters, remains their equipment. While Moscow attempts to supply additional heavy equipment from its warehouses, it consistently overlooks soldiers' gear. Observers of the Ukraine war noted in November, when temperatures started to fall, requests from Russian soldiers for warm clothing.
Yevhen Romanov added that good weather, with no precipitation and clear skies, leads to a notable increase in artillery strikes and drone use. These operations become much more challenging in cloudy and foggy conditions, especially during snowstorms.
"Last week in the Kharkiv region, there was plenty of sunshine, so the weather favored the artillerymen—both ours and the enemy's artillerymen and drones," said Romanov.
Winter at the front: What does this mean exactly?
"General Frost" does not favor Russia, and the coldest time of the year gives Ukrainians an advantage.
This advantage comes from the better equipment of Ukrainian soldiers, who receive significantly more warm clothing and winter gear from NATO countries than the Russians do from their authorities. Warm gloves and socks protect hands and feet, which are vulnerable to frostbite. The lack of such basic items has often forced Russians to use makeshift foot coverings.
Severe frost also causes military equipment to perform poorly or even fail completely. For example, weapon parts can freeze, and greases and oils in heavy equipment lose their properties. Frost also affects the drones widely used in the war in Ukraine, as battery life is significantly reduced in low temperatures.
