Key facts
- Kyiv residents are concerned about enduring another harsh winter with potential power cuts due to intensified Russian attacks.
- Recent Russian assaults have targeted infrastructure in Kyiv, including power plants and bridges.
- A September survey found 40% of Ukrainians are considering relocating if living conditions deteriorate.
- Some families are opting to leave Kyiv for warmer climates abroad or quieter rural areas within Ukraine.
- Authorities are preparing shelters and have constructed small-scale power plants to support the city's energy grid.
As Russia's attacks on Ukraine's cities intensify and cooler temperatures signal the approach of winter, residents of Kyiv are grappling with the prospect of another difficult season marked by potential power outages and ongoing conflict. Last winter, prolonged sub-zero temperatures and frequent power cuts made life unbearable for many, prompting concerns about enduring similar conditions again.
Recent Russian assaults, which have escalated since late August and early September, have targeted infrastructure including power plants, bridges, and petrol stations, increasing the sense of danger. Mariia Shostak, a mother of two, is packing her bags to leave Kyiv with her children, citing the unbearable conditions of the previous winter and the current proximity of attacks. She plans to spend the winter in Hurghada, Egypt, finding it both warmer and more affordable than Europe.
Polls indicate a widespread sense of insecurity, with a September survey by Gradus research company revealing that 40% of Ukrainians are considering relocating if living conditions continue to deteriorate. Evgeniya Blyznyuk, the founder and CEO of Gradus, noted that concerns extend beyond electricity blackouts to include worries about food and product availability due to attacks on logistics centers.
For families with young children, the situation is particularly urgent. Iryna, who asked for her surname to be withheld, is considering leaving Kyiv because her three-year-old daughter, Polina, has developed severe anxiety, incontinence, vomiting, and uncontrollable shaking following missile attacks that damaged their apartment. Her husband is serving in the army, and her work with an international NGO might allow her to relocate to Poland.
Some residents are seeking refuge closer to home in Ukraine's countryside. Olena Konoplia moved to a cottage two hours outside the capital, choosing a location without industrial targets. She has installed high-speed internet for her work and has both gas heaters and firewood for warmth, prioritizing the peace and quiet away from constant air raid sirens.
Authorities are implementing measures to prepare for winter, including offering places in converted sanatoriums for vulnerable citizens and constructing around 15 small-scale power plants in fortified bunkers to bolster the city's energy grid. However, with energy companies discussing scheduled power cuts and supermarkets facing periodic shortages, the pressure to leave is mounting for many.