Outside the main pumping station in Bucha, Ukraine, three engineers are busy fixing a frozen emergency generator that helps supply water to the city. One engineer, fighting against the harsh -12°C weather, uses a heat gun to thaw out parts of the machine while city mayor Anatolii Fedoruk watches closely. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges faced by residents as winter sets in.
Bucha gained notoriety during the early days of Russia’s invasion four years ago, becoming a symbol of the violence inflicted on civilians. Despite the city being liberated long ago, the scars remain deep, especially as Russia continues to target energy infrastructure amid ongoing conflict. Recently, as temperatures dropped toward -20°C, a state of emergency was declared due to escalating energy shortages across Ukraine.
In Bucha, power rationing is now a grim reality. Shops and streets are often dark due to rolling blackouts. Oleksandr Bartkov, who runs a cafe, shares how difficult it’s become: “We usually have electricity for three to four hours daily. But after the big attack this January, things got worse.” Many small businesses have shut down, and Bartkov fears this trend will continue.
Meanwhile, Mayor Fedoruk discusses the power situation in Bucha. While he notes that their power rationing isn’t ideal, he believes it’s better than in some parts of Kyiv. The city has a more modern power supply system that’s somewhat more resilient to attacks. He mentions, “The old Soviet systems were designed with big power plants that are now easy targets.”
The ongoing conflict has transformed winter into a weapon against Ukrainians. Residents in temporary housing confront chilling conditions as the electric-powered heating systems fail. Vitalina Tsisar, managing one such facility, recounts a night when an air raid cut power, plunging the building into freezing temperatures almost immediately. “It was terrifying to see families panic-buy supplies,” she recalls.
As energy shortages deepen, the Ukrainian government faces mounting pressure. Recent statistics reveal a dire situation: there are only about 20 days of energy reserves left, prompting officials to seek additional electricity imports. This relentless campaign has been labeled “crimes against humanity” by Ukraine’s state security service.
Despite hardship, there’s a spirit of resilience. Mayor Fedoruk emphasizes the determination of his city’s people: “Four years ago, Russia thought it would take Kyiv in three days, but we’re still here.” The people of Bucha show that even in the face of adversity, they continue to stand strong.
For further insights into the ongoing energy crisis in Ukraine, you can explore this report from Agence France-Presse.
