Olena Janchuk, a former kindergarten teacher with severe rheumatoid arthritis, is enduring the harsh winter conditions in her high-rise apartment in Kyiv. Due to prolonged power outages caused by Russian attacks on power facilities, the elevators in her building are often non-operational, leaving her stranded on the 19th floor with limited access to essential services.
To cope with the freezing temperatures that drop to -10°C in January, Janchuk has resorted to unconventional heating methods. She relies on a makeshift fireplace made of candles and stacked bricks to provide some warmth. In a bid to conserve power, USB charging cables are spread across the floor from overloaded power strips, and her electric blanket is connected to a power bank to ensure warmth during the coldest hours.
The lack of consistent electricity has forced Janchuk and her family to adapt their daily routines. They move to rooms that receive sunlight during the day and layer up with warm clothing at night when the central heating is unavailable. The situation is particularly challenging for residents living in high-rise buildings like Janchuk’s, where power outages disrupt daily activities and create a sense of isolation.
In an effort to address the power shortage crisis affecting more than 1,000 apartment blocks in Kyiv, residents have had to adjust their lifestyles according to the electricity schedules. Basic tasks such as cooking, showering, and charging devices are meticulously planned around the limited power supply. Essential supplies, like food with extended shelf life, are prioritized, and alternative heating methods, such as small gas burners, are utilized during blackouts.
The impact of the ongoing conflict on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is evident, with numerous power stations and transmission lines being targeted. Despite efforts to import electricity from Europe, the damage inflicted on vital facilities has led to rolling blackouts to prevent a complete grid collapse. The destruction of energy equipment has resulted in significant financial losses, with the country’s energy sector estimated to have incurred over $20 billion in direct war-related damages.
As Kyiv residents navigate through the challenges of daily life amidst power shortages and infrastructure damage, the resilience and solidarity of the community remain strong. Despite the hardships faced, individuals like Janchuk and her family continue to adapt and endure the difficult circumstances until a resolution to the conflict is reached.
