Widespread heating outage paralyzes Kyiv; half of the capital’s buildings are without heat amid official calls to evacuate.

Kyiv, Ukraine – The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, experienced widespread heating outages affecting nearly half of its residential and commercial buildings. This comes as the country grapples with a severe cold snap, exacerbating the suffering of residents and intensifying humanitarian concerns.

Local authorities reported that the outages were caused by damage to the energy infrastructure, leading to the shutdown of central heating systems in numerous districts. Technical difficulties in restoring power quickly are hindering the system’s ability to cope with the increased strain.

With temperatures plummeting to record lows, officials urged some residents, particularly the elderly and families with children, to temporarily evacuate the most affected areas. They advised them to seek shelter in equipped centers or areas with heating services to avoid potential health risks.

Emergency teams are working around the clock to repair the damage and provide temporary alternatives. Authorities warned that a full restoration of service may take time, given the continued harsh weather conditions and the logistical challenges associated with power generation.

This development adds another burden to Kyiv residents, who are already facing a difficult winter. This is happening amid tense living conditions and increasing pressure on basic services.