Kyiv's Energy Crisis: A City in the Dark

Kyiv faces a severe energy crisis due to Russian attacks, leaving it with only half the required electricity. Mayor Vitali Klitschko highlights the unprecedented challenge in the city's history, with heating shortages affecting thousands. International aid is ongoing as Ukraine declares an energy emergency.

Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, is grappling with a severe energy crisis, having only half of its required electricity due to persistent Russian attacks on its infrastructure, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. As one of Eastern Europe's largest cities, Kyiv demands 1,700 megawatts daily to support its 3.6 million residents, Klitschko stated in a conversation with Reuters.

Klitschko described the ongoing energy crisis as the most daunting challenge for Kyiv since the onset of Russia's invasion in February 2022. "For the first time in our city's history, during severe frosts, most of the city has been left without heating and is experiencing a significant electricity shortage," remarked Klitschko, a former heavyweight boxing champion, during an interview.

Despite the challenges, international partners have deployed additional generators and repair teams are working tirelessly to restore heating to the 6,000 apartment buildings affected by the recent Russian strike. However, approximately 100 buildings remain without heating. Ukraine has declared an energy emergency this week owing to the crumbling grid, exacerbated by Russian bombardments, frigid temperatures, and accumulated wartime destruction.

(With inputs from agencies.)