'Everyone is waiting for spring' — How Kyiv's hardest hit district is coping with no heating
Residents of Kyiv’s Darnitskyi District are struggling with severe winter conditions as the area faces a lack of central heating due to attacks on energy infrastructure.
In Kyiv, the Darnitskyi District is experiencing extreme hardships this winter, as many residents endure sub-zero temperatures without central heating. This situation arises after Russian attacks targeted crucial energy infrastructure, severely disrupting heating services for tens of thousands of individuals. With nighttime temperatures dropping to -19°Celsius, the community is left anxiously waiting for spring and warmer weather.
The most significant damage resulted from a strike on February 3, which devastated the Darnitsya Thermal Power Plant, critical for heating in the left bank area. Following this, a nationwide attack on February 7 led to widespread power outages across Ukraine, compounding the energy crisis. Local authorities, including Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, have reported that the facility is in a dire state, and restoration efforts appear grim amidst ongoing conflict.
Residents, such as 73-year-old Nina Pavlivna, express despair as they cope with the bitter cold, uncertain about when power and heating service will be restored. As the winter months drag on, the struggle of those affected by war continues, highlighting the broader implications of the Russian invasion on local communities and their infrastructure. With reliance on outdated facilities and limited resources for repairs, the situation underscores the urgent need for assistance in restoring basic utilities that are vital for everyday life during the harsh winter months.