Explained: what winter means for the war in Ukraine

Ukraine is evacuating civilians from recently liberated sections fearing that a lack of heat, power and water will make conditions too unliveable this winter.

This after the World Health Organisation delivered a chilling warning about the energy crisis and its impact on humans in the war-torn country.

Russia has been targeting Ukraine's power infrastructure from the air for weeks causing widespread blackouts and depriving millions of Ukrainians of essential energy requirements.

Warning that cold weather can kill, the WHO said while 10 million Ukrainians remain without power, many face life-threatening health conditions as temperatures fall to as low as -20 degrees.

It estimates that another two to three million people will be displaced from their homes to find warmth and safety over winter.

With more than 50% of the country's energy facilities damaged by Russian missile strikes, Ukrainians are most likely to live with blackouts at least until the end of March

But the war has continued despite the deteriorating weather conditions, with Ukrainian forces pressing against Russian positions and Moscow keeping up shelling and missile strikes

However, the approaching harsh winter will bring new logistical difficulties for troops and equipment on both sides

The wet-cold conditions due to snow, rain and muddy grounds makes fighting and moving essential items like food and ammunition difficult.

Trying to maintain vehicles, cleaning wet rifles, and even standing guard with frozen hands in damp clothing becomes challenging

While the bad weather is likely to slowdown military advances on both sides, experts believe that the fighting won’t pause

Reportedly, over 16,000 civilians have been killed and 7.7 million internally displaced in Ukraine since February

US estimates over 200,000 military casualties on all sides in Ukraine war