‘I think they want to break us’: Russian strikes on energy grid give freezing Kyiv some of its darkest days
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- On 9 January, Kyiv experienced massive Russian airstrikes targeting energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts amid a severe cold snap with temperatures dropping as low as -19C at night.
- Tens of thousands of residents, including Tetiana Shkred and her children, endured freezing conditions without heating or water due to the reliance on electricity for essential services.
- Ukrainian officials, including Ukrenergo's chief executive, stated that Russia's objective is to disconnect Kyiv and force residents to leave the city by targeting substations and causing prolonged power outages.
- Emergency services have set up warming tents and food stations in the worst-hit neighborhoods, while some residents have followed Kyiv’s mayor’s advice to relocate temporarily to safer areas due to the harsh
