The kremlin Is Using Utility Bills As a Weapon Against Civilians

The socio-economic situation in Ukrainian cities temporarily occupied by russia continues to deteriorate rapidly. In Mariupol, where normal water and heat supply has not yet been restored, the occupation administration has almost doubled the water supply tariff – from 21.2 to 41.84 rubles per cubic meter. At this, water is supplied only for a few hours every two days, while  some areas remain without it for weeks.

At the same time, heating has also become significantly more expensive – by about 300%. The tariff has risen from about 12.5 to over 49 rubles per square meter, while boiler rooms regularly break down and heating networks suffer from accidents. The occupiers cynically call this a “gradual transition to an economically justified level”, effectively shifting their own financial problems and the consequences of the war onto the civilian population.

A similar situation is observed in occupied Melitopol, where tariffs have also risen sharply since January 1, 2026, with local residents being presented with a fait accompli after the new tariffs came into force.

In russia itself, the authorities announced a two-stage increase in utility payments: the first wave already took place at the beginning of the year due to an increase in VAT from 20% to 22%, which caused the approximately 1.6–1.7% increase in average payment for housing and utility services. The second wave is expected in the autumn and may  reach 8% to 22% depending on the region.

Such decisions demonstrate the real state of russia’s  economy, which is rapidly weakening under the pressure of sanctions, military spending, and internal degradation. The kremlin is trying to patch up budget holes at the expense of the population, both in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories and in russia itself. Tariff increases, shortages of basic resources, and destruction of infrastructure are direct consequences of the war of aggression against Ukraine, for which russians are paying with growing poverty.