Kyiv's residents face a daunting winter as Russia's energy grid strikes plunged the city into darkness, forcing many to endure freezing temperatures without access to basic amenities like heat and electricity.
The latest wave of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure has left tens of thousands of people without power, with 70% of Kyiv's residents facing blackouts. The country's state-owned grid operator, Ukrenergo, warned that the aim was "to disconnect the city" and force its inhabitants to move outside.
Tetiana Shkred, a 35-year-old mother of two, spent hours cooking for her children in the dark after a power outage struck her apartment block. The family huddled together in a shelter space between two walls, where they stayed until the heat was restored.
"I'm worried now that they will strike again," she said. "I think the Russians want to break us." Shkred's fears are echoed by many Kyiv residents who have been left without access to basic services like water and heating.
Vitalii Zaichenko, Ukrenergo's chief executive, described the attack as an attempt to "disconnect the city" and force its inhabitants to move outside. Russia's increased focus on attacking energy infrastructure has led to major blackouts in other cities, compounded by a shortage of spare parts due to repairs from previous attacks.
In areas with more reliable electricity supply, rolling blackouts are common, with some supermarkets announcing plans for temporary closures. Emergency services have set up warming tents in the snow, offering hot food and drinks to residents who have been left without access to basic amenities.
For those struggling to cope, community spirit is a vital lifeline. Alla Polischuk, whose daughter was forced to take online classes while her school was closed, visited a warming tent with her teenage daughter. The 35-year-old said: "We just came in here to warm up... The worst thing is the cold, even when we dress in all our clothes and under blankets."
At one school in Kyiv, temperatures inside hovered around 10C, while an air raid shelter for the local community was set up as a warming centre. Despite the challenges, many residents are rallying together to support each other.
Valentina Verteletska, deputy director of a local school, witnessed the devastating impact of Russia's attack on her own apartment block. A missile hit just 100 metres away, killing a mother and her daughter.
"I think the Russians want to break us," she said. "But we're showing resilience and determination. War doesn't make people bad or good, but it amplifies who you are."
As Kyiv struggles to cope with the aftermath of Russia's energy grid strikes, residents are drawing strength from each other. Despite the challenges, they remain determined to survive – and resist.
The latest wave of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure has left tens of thousands of people without power, with 70% of Kyiv's residents facing blackouts. The country's state-owned grid operator, Ukrenergo, warned that the aim was "to disconnect the city" and force its inhabitants to move outside.
Tetiana Shkred, a 35-year-old mother of two, spent hours cooking for her children in the dark after a power outage struck her apartment block. The family huddled together in a shelter space between two walls, where they stayed until the heat was restored.
"I'm worried now that they will strike again," she said. "I think the Russians want to break us." Shkred's fears are echoed by many Kyiv residents who have been left without access to basic services like water and heating.
Vitalii Zaichenko, Ukrenergo's chief executive, described the attack as an attempt to "disconnect the city" and force its inhabitants to move outside. Russia's increased focus on attacking energy infrastructure has led to major blackouts in other cities, compounded by a shortage of spare parts due to repairs from previous attacks.
In areas with more reliable electricity supply, rolling blackouts are common, with some supermarkets announcing plans for temporary closures. Emergency services have set up warming tents in the snow, offering hot food and drinks to residents who have been left without access to basic amenities.
For those struggling to cope, community spirit is a vital lifeline. Alla Polischuk, whose daughter was forced to take online classes while her school was closed, visited a warming tent with her teenage daughter. The 35-year-old said: "We just came in here to warm up... The worst thing is the cold, even when we dress in all our clothes and under blankets."
At one school in Kyiv, temperatures inside hovered around 10C, while an air raid shelter for the local community was set up as a warming centre. Despite the challenges, many residents are rallying together to support each other.
Valentina Verteletska, deputy director of a local school, witnessed the devastating impact of Russia's attack on her own apartment block. A missile hit just 100 metres away, killing a mother and her daughter.
"I think the Russians want to break us," she said. "But we're showing resilience and determination. War doesn't make people bad or good, but it amplifies who you are."
As Kyiv struggles to cope with the aftermath of Russia's energy grid strikes, residents are drawing strength from each other. Despite the challenges, they remain determined to survive – and resist.
The situation in Kyiv is truly heartbreaking 
. This latest wave of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure has left tens of thousands without power, forcing people to endure freezing temperatures without basic amenities like heat and electricity 
. It's devastating to think that many families are having to cook meals in the dark and rely on community shelters for warmth.
. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, they're coming together to support each other and find ways to cope with the situation. The fact that emergency services have set up warming tents in the snow, offering hot food and drinks to those who need it most, is a testament to the city's community spirit 
.
. Russia's goal of "disconnecting" the city is a clear attempt to break the spirits of its inhabitants and force them out of their homes. However, as Valentina Verteletska so eloquently put it, "War doesn't make people bad or good, but it amplifies who you are." 
i mean idk what kinda power outage would make u think thor can just chill in asgard all day and fight crime later 
but seriously whats up with kyiv tho? its like theyre stuck in some kinda winter wonderland nightmare 
️ btw did u guys know that star wars is getting a new series on disney+?? i heard its gonna be fire 
I'm kinda worried about Ukraine right now... like I know most ppl feel same way 
. It's like, what's the point of all these attacks? Is it really worth causin ppl 2 suffer so much? 
70% of Kyiv's residents without power? That's wild, dude! And what's with all these attacks on energy infrastructure? Like, can't they see how harsh it is for innocent people?
and air raid shelters as warming centres? That's just heartbreaking. And the community spirit here? It's actually kinda inspiring, even if it is a bit too late for that.
️ it's so worrying about kyiv right now... people are struggling to access basic stuff like heat and water 
and i can only imagine how hard it must be for families like tetiana shkred who have to cook in the dark and huddle together for warmth 
- people are coming together to support each other and make sure everyone's okay 
.
... it just brings out the worst in us all. but kyiv residents are showing incredible resilience right now 
- they're not giving up even when things seem darkest 
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u guys no how hard it is to deal w/ constant blackouts & freezing temps in kyiv?! 
like tetiana shkred's story, people r literally cooking in the dark, with kids around 
. and don't even get me started on the warming tents... they r a lifesaver, but it feels like u need one just to survive lol 
. let's keep sendin love & support 2 those affected in kyiv 
. Like, 70% of residents without power? That's not 'disruption' that's just basic human rights being denied 
. And the thought of not being able to do basic things like taking a shower or using the toilet is just awful 
. It's like, even in the darkest times, there's always something positive to be found 
. The Ukrainian people deserve our support and solidarity during this difficult time 
, showing that even in the darkest times, there's still kindness and support for one another