Kyiv's frozen winter exposes the brutal cost of war on daily life
Life in Kyiv has grown unbearable this winter as Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure leave residents without heat, water, or power. Olexandra Stefanjuk's apartment has dropped to just four degrees Celsius, with damp walls and no repairs in sight. Many, like her, are struggling to endure the freezing conditions as the war drags on.
The Darnytsia thermal power plant, which once supplied Stefanjuk's district, now lies in ruins. Officials confirm repairs won't be completed before the heating season ends, leaving her without warmth for months. Her heating has been broken for over a month, and water cut off for ten days, while rolling blackouts add to the hardship.
For the first time since the invasion, Stefanjuk admits she nearly gave up. She briefly fled to western Ukraine for shelter but returned to Kyiv in late January, unable to afford staying away. Her story mirrors that of many in major cities, where destroyed infrastructure and subzero temperatures push people to their limits.
Yet some, like Taisa Jastremska, have found ways to adapt. Her apartment remains a rare haven with electricity and cold water, thanks to an inverter and battery system she installed. Meanwhile, frustration mounts across the city, with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko facing growing criticism over the crisis.
A January 2025 survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) revealed deep resolve among Ukrainians. Sixty-five percent said they were prepared to endure the war 'as long as necessary.' An even larger share—88 percent—believed Russia's strikes on energy infrastructure were designed to force Ukraine into peace talks.
With no quick fixes for damaged heating systems, residents like Stefanjuk face weeks more of freezing conditions. The war's toll on daily life grows heavier, testing both resilience and resources. For now, survival depends on makeshift solutions and the slim hope of warmer days ahead.
