Story behind the illustration
Russia's relentless missile campaign has destroyed critical energy infrastructure across Ukraine, leaving millions without power during the harshest winter in years. As temperatures drop to -20°C (-4°F), families sit in darkness without electricity, heat, or running water.
The attacks have pushed Ukraine's power grid to a breaking point. Residents crowd into emergency warming tents for hours each day, seeking relief from the cold that now penetrates their homes. This systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure has created a humanitarian crisis designed to break Ukrainians when they're most vulnerable.
Satellite images capture the reality: at night, Europe glows with light — except Ukraine, which sits in darkness. This striking contrast inspired our I Stand With Ukraine Through Darkness.