As winter descends on Kiev, harsh conditions are exacerbated by ongoing Russian strikes that have left hundreds of thousands without electricity or heat. With temperatures plummeting to minus 20 degrees Celsius, the situation is dire as the conflict enters its fifth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Major cities, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa, have suffered extensive damage, but the capital stands on the brink of a humanitarian crisis.
Daily life in Kiev, home to approximately 3 million residents, has become increasingly difficult. Heavily bundled individuals navigate icy pavements during the day, with temperatures hovering around minus 12 degrees. Outside shops, generators sputter as businesses struggle to maintain services. One saleswoman at a coffee kiosk near a government building expressed frustration, saying, “We cannot make coffee. We can only sell baked goods.” Nearby, a café briefly enjoys power, attracting customers eager for hot drinks, but even that source of warmth soon falters.
Power Cuts Shape Daily Life
The ongoing power cuts have become a grim reality for Kiev’s residents. Since autumn, scheduled outages have returned as Russian military forces resumed systematic attacks on energy infrastructure. These strikes aim to undermine Ukrainian morale, and the situation escalated following severe missile attacks in early January 2023. Entire districts lost electricity for days, affecting over 6,000 apartment blocks and hundreds of thousands of residents.
As public transport falters due to power shortages, residents find it increasingly challenging to manage daily tasks like laundry and cooking. The failure of lifts in high-rise buildings poses significant obstacles for older and disabled individuals. Mayor Vitali Klitschko acknowledged the ongoing crisis, stating, “Unfortunately, Kiev is currently living with emergency power cuts.” Around 300 apartment blocks remain without heating, and even restored district heating has failed to warm many homes adequately. Residents have resorted to creative solutions, using gas cookers to heat bricks and then wrapping themselves in towels for warmth.
Community Support Amidst Crisis
In response to this adversity, community efforts have emerged. Many residents share their experiences on social media, finding humor and solidarity amidst the struggles. One TikTok user, Taras Nesterenko, humorously likened his frigid living conditions to tropical destinations, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit. His wife’s wish for a functioning washing machine resonates with many as they navigate these challenging times.
Recognizing the need for support, the government has established “Points of Invincibility” across the city, allowing residents to charge devices, access the internet, and find warmth. More than 1,200 such sites are now operational in Kiev, providing essential services during this harsh winter. Schools and public offices have become refuges, with facilities equipped with generators, warm blankets, and hot beverages.
The Ukrainian government has also adapted to the circumstances by extending holidays for schoolchildren until February 1, 2023, and easing nighttime curfews. This allows residents to seek shelter during air raid alerts and stay overnight in warming points. The Kiev Civil Protection Service has set up 45 civil protection warming tents to assist those most affected by heating failures.
Despite these efforts, criticism has emerged regarding the city’s preparedness. President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns about the situation, stating, “The city administration lost time, and what was not done at the city level is now being corrected at the government level.” Tensions between the president and the mayor have resurfaced, echoing past political rivalries.
With Russian forces continuing their bombardment, the prospect of relief remains uncertain. Repairs to energy infrastructure are quickly undone by new strikes, and forecasts indicate that subzero temperatures will persist in the weeks ahead. As Kiev endures these challenges, the resilience of its residents and the community’s support mechanisms will be crucial in navigating the harsh realities of winter amidst ongoing conflict.
