The Pontiff emphasized that attacks in extreme cold conditions deal a serious blow to the civilian population.
“I pray for those suffering and renew my call to stop the violence and increase efforts to achieve peace,” the pope said.
He also mentioned the tense situation in the Middle East, in particular in Iran and Syria, where, according to him, ongoing conflicts are leading to numerous casualties. The Pontiff called on the parties to dialogue and action for the common good.
Context
The Russian Federation has been attacking Ukrainian energy system facilities since 2022. Over time, the shelling only intensifies.
At the end of December 2025, President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky reported that there was not a single power plant that would not be damaged by Russian strikes.
On the night of January 9, 2026 Russian occupiers launched a massive attack on critical infrastructure in Kyiv. The mayor of the capital, Vitaliy Klitschko, called on city residents to temporarily leave due to large-scale interruptions in heat supply and light. The next day, emergency power outages were introduced in Kyiv and the region, and water supply was stopped in some places in the capital.
