UK Defence Intelligence reported disruptions in heating and electricity supply in several regions of Russia due to sub-zero temperatures, wartime policy prioritizing military expenses over infrastructure, budget strain from funding volunteer formations, and labor shortages including qualified heating engineers and plumbers.

UK intelligence has reported disruptions in heating and electricity supply in several regions of Russia in recent months

Russia prefers to finance military expenses rather than the overall state infrastructure, especially after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Many regional governments in Russia were offered funding for local volunteer formations, which likely led to straining their budgets and the need for some reduction in infrastructure maintenance expenses

Mobilisation likely resulted in a shortage of labour in all sectors, including qualified heating engineers and plumbers

Putin has asked the Minister of Emergency Situations, Aleksandr Kurenkov, to ensure the supply of heating and electricity to residents

Appearing to tackle this issue is likely a key concern for Putin ahead of the forthcoming Russian presidential elections

A number of regions of the Russian Federation experienced disruptions in heating and electricity supply.

The problems are attributed to financing volunteer formations, mobilization-related labor shortages, and wartime policy prioritizing military over public infrastructure.