Ukrainians Fear Grim Winter Amid Massive Attacks on Power Plants
Kyiv rushes to prevent long winter blackouts as energy woes grow after the largest Russian air strike on Ukraine so far
A recruiting placard during a partial electricity blackout in the center of Kyiv.
Photographer: Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images
A summer house in the countryside east of Kyiv now offers Heorhii Samofalov a safer and more stable life than his high rise apartment in the Ukrainian capital. He doesn't need to use an elevator and has access to an uninterrupted supply of water and other amenities.
“Power issues made it extremely challenging to reach the thirteenth floor,” the 75-year-old retiree said. “It’s a problem even to make tea, as everything runs on electricity.’’ In contrast, his place in the countryside about 80 kilometers (62 miles) from Kyiv has a stove for heating and gas for cooking.
Russia’s massive attacks on Ukraine’s power grid have forced many like him to consider their options as a grim winter without heating looms.