Amid the crumpled remnants of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, workers face the daunting challenge of keeping the country powered as Russia’s relentless airstrikes continue to target power plants. Engineers at a thermal power station work tirelessly in harsh conditions, patching up decades-old facilities after repeated missile and drone attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
For security reasons, the exact location and damage details of the plant remain undisclosed, as Ukraine’s military fears Russia could use the information to plan further strikes. This month alone, Russian attacks on November 17 and November 23 have severely impacted Ukraine’s energy capacity, already reduced by half since last winter.
Inside the turbine hall, engineers struggle to repair essential equipment. Oleksandr, a worker at the facility, describes the situation: “We don’t even have time to restore the main equipment, let alone the roof and walls. Everything gets destroyed again from one strike to the next.”
Western allies are stepping in to support Ukraine’s battered energy infrastructure. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, recently received £89 million ($113 million) from the European Commission and the U.S. government to restore power and shield critical equipment from snow and freezing temperatures. However, as Dmytro, a control room engineer, puts it: “Some are defending the frontlines on the battlefield. We have our own energy front to defend.”
Despite the devastation, Ukrainians are adapting to power outages and harsh winters. Residents of a 25-story building in Kyiv’s Pozniaky neighborhood pooled resources to install a battery-powered system in the basement, ensuring one lift operates and hot water reaches upper floors. Nataliya Andriyko, who lives on the 19th floor, expresses her gratitude: “It’s scary how happy I am just to have these basic needs.”
Generators buzz across city streets, diesel fumes fill the winter air, and resourceful Ukrainians invest in solar panels, batteries, and inverters. Even in these dire times, humor finds its way into everyday life. A new film, Zbory OSBB (“Meeting of the Homeowner’s Association”), captures the comedic chaos of apartment residents debating generator purchases.
Writer and producer Ivan Melashenko explains: “When you have more than 10 people trying to find common ground, it’s always partly funny.” While the premise of staying warm during a Ukrainian winter is far from lighthearted, Melashenko believes humor provides relief: “It’s impossible to live in such dramatic and stressful conditions for three years without any positive emotions.”
As the third winter of the invasion looms, the resilience and solidarity of Ukrainians remain unshaken, proving that even in the face of adversity, unity and creativity can shine through.