Kyiv residents dealt with severe cold in unheated apartments as engineers worked to restore power, water, and heat following recent Russian strikes. Since the invasion in 2022, Russia has frequently targeted Ukraine’s energy system, leading to critical damage. With winter temperatures dropping below minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 F), this winter could be especially harsh for residents.
On Saturday, Kyiv’s services were hit again, leaving many without heat or water. Galina Turchin, a 71-year-old pensioner, faced difficulties as her apartment was damaged during an attack, leaving her unable to cook for two days. She planned to use a gas camping stove for her meals. Turchin expressed hope that they would receive heat soon.
The city administration announced that the power system was ordered to shut down due to ongoing repairs. However, within an hour, updates indicated that some power was being restored in parts of Kyiv. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that the heating system was also coming back online and expected full restoration soon, though power issues persisted due to a damaged grid and increased use of electric heaters.
With many apartment buildings lacking heat after Friday’s attacks, Mayor Vitali Klitschko advised residents with warm places to temporarily leave. Turchin noted her village cottage was unheated and would take time to warm up, facing temperatures even lower than Kyiv.
With information from Reuters
