Post by : Saif Rahman

As winter intensifies, Ukraine faces a critical challenge with emergency teams tirelessly working to restore heat and electricity following recent Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Over three days after the strikes, many apartment buildings in Kyiv remain without essential services, forcing residents to depend on emergency shelters as temperatures drop significantly.

Despite efforts, officials indicate the situation is still severe. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba reported that heating has been reinstated in approximately 90 percent of the capital's residential buildings. However, many homes still lack warmth and light, with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko estimating that 800 buildings, mostly situated on the Dnipro River's west bank, are still cold.

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been a consistent target. In recent months, the intensity of missile and drone strikes has increased, aiming to demoralize civilians by depriving them of power, warmth, water, and gas during severe winter conditions.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy cautioned that the threat is not yet over. In his latest evening address, he stated that intelligence suggests Russia may be preparing for another major offensive shortly. He urged the public to heed air raid alerts, especially with nighttime temperatures plummeting to -15 degrees Celsius and below.

Zelenskiy mentioned the possibility that Russia might first deploy waves of drones to exhaust air defenses, subsequently following up with missile strikes. He encouraged citizens to stay vigilant and support each other as the nation faces another challenging chapter in its struggle.

To assist frontline recovery efforts, the government has introduced a new initiative aimed at increasing wages and providing bonuses for emergency personnel. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted that these workers are pushing themselves to their limits, often placing themselves in perilous conditions to mend the damaged infrastructure.

Throughout Kyiv, “resilience points,” or humanitarian centers, are being established to aid residents. These centers offer warmth, phone charging facilities, and a safe space for people. In some locations, tents powered by generators serve as the sole source of light and heat.

Daily life remains exceedingly challenging for many. Kateryna Zubko, a 67-year-old engineer, shared her plight of living without power, heating, and water since the latest attack. Without an electric stove, she struggles to prepare even a cup of tea.

“It’s dark in the apartment,” she expressed. “But we support one another. Ukrainians are resilient. This war will come to an end eventually; it cannot endure forever.”

Despite the ongoing hardships, there are no indications that Ukraine's spirit has been quelled. Emergency crews persist in their work around the clock, while local leaders convene to tackle the residents’ most pressing needs.

As winter sets in, Ukraine's mission is not merely about enduring the cold, but also remaining prepared for potential future assaults. While the days ahead may present new challenges, they also highlight the unwavering resilience of a nation determined to persevere.

#Global News