Key Facts
• January 8: Russia launched a large-scale attack on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure.
• Tens of thousands of households, businesses, and schools lost power.
• Temperatures dropped to minus 19°C, the coldest winter in 20 years.
• As of January 15, 300 apartment buildings in Kyiv remained without heating.
• Approximately 6,000 buildings initially lost heating; many have since recovered.
• Ukraine declared a state of emergency in the energy sector on January 14.
• Over 256 Russian airstrikes targeted energy and heat supply systems since last October.
• No power plants in Ukraine remain untouched by Russian attacks as of January 16.
• Residents use mobile batteries, USB-powered candles, and camp lanterns to cope.
• Social media shows neighbors sharing campfires, cooking, and dancing to stay warm.
• Pet cat “Pushok” serves as a warm companion, likened to a hot water bottle.
• Many schools closed due to inability to heat classrooms safely.
• “Unyielding Points” established as community hubs for warmth, charging, and work.
• International bodies strongly condemn Russia’s targeting of civilian energy infrastructure.
Summary
Since Russia’s January 8 attack on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure, residents face severe cold amid widespread power outages. Temperatures plunged to minus 19°C, marking the harshest winter in two decades. Despite partial restoration, hundreds of buildings remain without heating, forcing many schools to close. Ukrainians adapt by layering clothing, using mobile batteries, and creating communal “unyielding points” for warmth and charging devices. Social media highlights neighbors gathering around campfires, cooking, and dancing to combat the cold. A pet cat named Pushok provides additional warmth, symbolizing resilience. Ukraine’s government declared a state of emergency in the energy sector, revealing that no power plants have escaped Russian attacks. The Ukrainian Security Service reported over 256 airstrikes on energy facilities since last October, actions condemned internationally as crimes against humanity. Amid these hardships, citizens demonstrate remarkable endurance and community spirit in Kyiv and beyond.
