Story perspectives

Kyiv Family Struggles to Stay Warm Amid Power Outages

2/4/2026

Center

Kozhenko Battles Winter

In Kyiv, Ukraine, Mariia Kozhenko, 41, struggles to keep her two children warm during winter power outages.
To cope, she has set up a temporary tent inside their apartment.
Kozhenko said, "We have nowhere to go."
The situation illustrates the challenges families face amid ongoing energy issues in the region.

Right

Residents Feed Swans

In Kyiv, Ukraine, temperatures have dropped to -20°C (-4°F), forcing swans to huddle in a small area of open water on the Dnieper River.
Concerned residents are visiting the frozen shoreline to feed the birds.
The situation reflects broader challenges faced by the community amid severe winter conditions and ongoing energy crises.

Left

Zelenskyy Accuses Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accuses Russia of violating a ceasefire by launching missiles and drones at Kyiv on February 3, injuring two people and damaging residential buildings.
Zelenskyy says the assaults undermine U.S.-backed de-escalation efforts and that Ukraine will judge Russia by its actions.
Kharkiv's mayor reports the strikes will disrupt heating for over 800 buildings amid freezing temperatures.
Temperatures are expected to drop to -24°C (-11°F), worsening conditions.

History

Historical Context

Since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine has faced escalating conflict, culminating in a full-scale invasion in February 2022. The winter of 2022 exacerbated hardships, with missile strikes damaging over 800 buildings in Kharkiv, leaving thousands without heating. This situation echoes the 1932-1933 Holodomor, highlighting Ukraine's ongoing struggles and the urgent need for international support amid humanitarian crises.

1 of 4

Kozhenko Battles Winter

In Kyiv, Ukraine, Mariia Kozhenko, 41, struggles to keep her two children warm during winter power outages.
To cope, she has set up a temporary tent inside their apartment.
Kozhenko said, "We have nowhere to go."
The situation illustrates the challenges families face amid ongoing energy issues in the region.

1 / 4