KYIV, Ukraine (AFP) — President Volodymyr Zelensky urged G7 nations on Monday to provide extra gas and weapons to help Ukraine survive a brutal winter that threatens to bring further suffering to millions in the war-torn country.

With snow on the ground and Ukraine's energy grid battered by Russian strikes, many are facing freezing temperatures without power or heating.

During a video conference with the G7 club of wealthy nations on Monday, Zelensky said Ukraine needs "about two billion cubic meters" of additional gas to get through the winter.

According to a readout issued by his office, Zelensky told the G7 "the terror against our power plants forced us to use more gas than expected."

"This is why we need additional support over this particular winter," he said.

Zelensky also urged the G7 to send more arms to Ukraine, including "modern tanks" as well as "rocket artillery and more long-range missiles."

Zelensky said "Russia still has the advantage in artillery and missiles."

"This is a fact," he told the G7. "These capabilities of the occupying army are the ones to fuel the Kremlin's arrogance."

Restoring energy
Kyiv says 40 percent of Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure has been damaged, with wave after wave of targeted Russian attacks.

The Ukrainian energy ministry said in a statement that Russian missiles had hit all of the country's thermal power plants, while 44 overhead high-voltage power lines had also been affected.

Power company YASNO said supply limitations in Kyiv were "significant" with some 40 percent of supplies diverted to critical infrastructure.

Oil and gas company DTEK said its specialists were "constantly looking for equipment to restore the energy infrastructure destroyed by Russia" and had agreed on contracts with European suppliers ABB and Siemens.

The G7 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany — which currently holds the club's presidency — Italy, Japan and the United States.