Kyiv’s mayor is advising residents to evacuate the Ukrainian capital following Russian attacks that have left half the city without power and heating. Mayor Vitali Klitschko issued a statement on Facebook, highlighting the severe energy crisis facing Kyiv and warning that the situation could deteriorate further. Approximately 1,940 apartment buildings are currently without heating due to the recent Russian air strikes, which initially impacted up to 5,635 residential blocks. Nearly 4,000 structures, including the parliament building, are still without essential services, representing around half of the city, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
Klitschko’s message urged citizens to prepare by stocking up on essentials and encouraged those with access to alternative power and heating to consider leaving the city. He mentioned the establishment of emergency shelters throughout Kyiv to accommodate people overnight, offering sleeping accommodations, heating facilities, as well as food and hygiene supplies if required.
The recent assault occurred shortly after heating had been restored in many buildings following previous Russian strikes on January 9, during which four individuals lost their lives and 25 were injured in Kyiv. Klitschko noted that some structures were still without heating due to infrastructure damage sustained in the earlier attack by Russian forces.
Moscow has escalated its assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure amid the country’s harsh winter conditions, with temperatures hovering around -10C. Meanwhile, President Zelensky expressed hope that ongoing trilateral discussions in the United Arab Emirates would pave the way for peace. The talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US are focusing on the sensitive issue of the eastern Donbas region.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of addressing the Donbas matter during the negotiations, highlighting the potential for progress but acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the situation. The talks follow recent meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys in Moscow, as well as a positive encounter between Zelensky and former US President Trump at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
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