People in Ukraine are at risk of dying of cold this winter

Russian attacks against the nation's power supplies have been constant in recent months and Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko is fearing the worst.

He told Sky News: "Due to the fact that there is no heating, there is a risk that people may die of hypothermia."

Kyrylenko says that the authorities are doing all they can to provide firewood and stoves to residents still living in frontline towns and villages that have no electricity, gas or running water in sub-zero temperatures.

He claimed that the intensity of the Russian shelling means it is very difficult to repair vital infrastructure "so people have the worst and most difficult times".

Special hubs – that provide a source of electricity and warmth – are even being offered in areas where fighting is taking place to make sure citizens are kept warm.

Kyrylenko said: "But the enemy understands this ... and the enemy is firing and launching missile strikes precisely at these heating points."

The governor explained how the fiercest fighting of the war is taking place around the town of Bakhmut in his province as Russian forces are trying to break through Ukrainian lines.

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