Kyiv, Ukraine — Recently, a fresh wave of Russian drone strikes has knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of households in the Kyiv region. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that with temperatures dropping well below freezing, the situation is dire.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko, reported around 500 high-rise buildings are without heating. There’s also a significant lack of electricity, even in places critical for public safety.
In the latest attack, Russia unleashed over 300 drones and multiple missiles overnight. Zelensky noted that eight regions were affected, including Kyiv, specifically targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“The circumstances in the Kyiv region are tough,” Zelensky stated. “Energy generation facilities are again the main targets.”
Attacks on energy resources have intensified since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with a focus on crippling heating supplies during the bitter winter months.
On Tuesday, temperatures in Kyiv were forecasted to range from a high of 14°F (-10°C) to even lower. The cold has made life especially challenging. Many families like Kateryna Serzhan’s, who live with their children, report only having electricity for short periods. Kateryna shared, “The battery-powered heaters barely provide any warmth. I never imagined conditions like this would exist in the 21st century.”
Senior citizens are also suffering. Halyna Prokofieva, 71, mentioned she hadn’t had heating or electricity for days and was left freezing even in warm clothes sent from her daughter in America.
Sadly, it’s not just about the power outages. A missile strike killed four people at a postal service facility in the Kharkiv region. Ukraine’s energy facilities were heavily targeted in other attacks, injuring two workers. Command of the Ukrainian armed forces has highlighted the difficulties faced on the front lines, with enemy forces launching massive missile strikes deliberately aimed at damaging energy facilities.
Meanwhile, in Russia’s Belgorod region, residents may have to evacuate due to power supply issues after Ukrainian strikes hit their power plant.
This cycle of attacks is being closely followed. Social media is buzzing with reactions, showcasing the resilience of everyday people like Kateryna and Halyna, who are trying to adapt to their harsh new reality. Many share tips on staying warm and keeping hope alive amid these trying times.
Source link
