Ukraine is under the grip of bombardment — the situation is now critical!

President Zelenskyy has declared a state of emergency in Ukraine. Within a 24-hour period, Russia carried out one of the war’s most devastating strikes against energy facilities in the Kyiv region. At the same time, a dangerous deep freeze is setting in—making the loss of heat and power even more life-threatening.

Many of Kyiv’s 3.5 million residents have been without electricity and heat for days, as Russia continues to strike the city’s energy infrastructure. Russia knew that winter’s freezing temperatures would become the most dangerous weapon in the full-scale war it launched.

Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, announced that schools in the Kyiv region have been closed for two months. Teaching will be conducted remotely. According to the mayor, the current situation in Kyiv is the most difficult during Russia’s nearly four-year war of aggression.

About 6,000 apartment buildings in Kyiv without heat

Heating was cut off in apartment buildings across Kyiv as a result of Russian strikes. Most of the affected buildings were ones where heat was just being restored after a previous attack. After repairs, electricity could be provided for only about half of the city’s needs.

An unusually cold January

Ukraine has experienced unusually cold weather in recent days. Last week, temperatures in Kyiv dropped to -16°C (3°F). Near the capital, temperatures fell to -20°C (-4°F). The cold does not appear likely to ease soon. Conditions are even more difficult in towns and villages in eastern Ukraine, where electricity may not be restored for a long time.

“The aim of these strikes is to break resistance and the spirit of Ukrainians, and to do everything possible so that people fall into depression,” Klitschko added.