Kyiv without heating: how residents of 700 houses survive after four days of blackouts.

According to ТСН: Russia continues to try to arrange a complete blackout for Ukrainian cities. Drones continuously attack the energy infrastructure, and the most difficult situation is observed in frontline areas and in Kyiv region. In the capital, more than 700 houses have been without heating for four days, and the city is transitioning to emergency electricity shutdown schedules.

A correspondent reported on the situation in the region and tips for keeping warm.

“Infrastructure can't withstand”: Kyiv in emergency shutdown mode

The worst situation is observed in Kyiv region on the Left Bank, in Boryspil and Brovary districts. The head of the 'Yasno' service noted that the infrastructure cannot withstand the load, so emergency shutdowns have been introduced.

In the capital, houses are covered in ice: after three days of cold, frost appears on the windows, and apartments freeze. The residents of the top floors are the most affected.

Kateryna Pop, spokesperson for the KMVA:

“A total of 1269 resilience points are operating in Kyiv. Rescuers are supplying some houses with generators where there are currently no other technical solutions available.”

Life in “Resilience Points”

Kyivans actively visit schools and heating tents. For many, this is the only opportunity to charge their devices and connect with loved ones.

Mrs. Lesia, a resident of Kyiv:

“What to do? No light, no water, no heating. There’s nothing. I charged my phone a little in the pharmacy, and now I’m charging my power bank. The mobile internet is poor, and Wi-Fi is not working properly. It's only 16 degrees at home.”

While some wait to charge their devices, others try to keep their optimism even in this difficult situation.

Yelyzaveta Lazarenko, a resident of Kyiv:

“I have been without electricity at home for about 55 hours. So, to avoid crying, I laugh. We are currently playing cards. Thank God, heating has been turned on. I work through my phone, so light is vital for me. We sit here to work, so I have something to live on.”

Double blow: terror and bad weather

Energy workers are working nonstop, but the enemy leaves no room for rest. Just as light was restored for 400 thousand families, the Russians struck again. In addition to rockets, the region suffers from bad weather: icy trees have knocked down over 300 electricity poles.

Oleg Kalyush, operational director of DTEK “Kyiv Regional Electric Networks”:

“We have lost many facilities both in generation and transmission. The circuits are now so complicated that any emergency shutdown can lead to voltage spikes in the network.”

The situation is under the control of the President. The main task is to restore electricity supply for every house. Currently, nearly 200 repair crews and State Emergency Service forces are working.

Tips from rescuers: how to survive in a frozen apartment

Rescuers advise Kyivans to follow the “winter survival” rules:

• Clothing: use the principle of layering, take care of warm blankets.

• Insulation: seal the cracks in windows and place foil insulation behind the batteries.

• Food: keep a supply of non-perishable food (canned goods, snacks, thermoses with hot water).

• Pets: create a warm place for your pets, they also suffer from the cold.

Despite all the enemy’s attempts to scare Ukrainians with the cold, people remain resolute. “Russia does not want peace talks. What’s next? I don’t know. But I want to live in Ukraine,” says Mrs. Lesia.

According to preliminary government forecasts, the situation with light in the capital may improve soon.