Andriy, 40, Kyiv resident, artist
After another strike by Moscow on Kyiv, nothing new happened – everything was traditional.
Traditionally, the electricity disappeared (which, in truth, had already been gone before that), but now there is no point in expecting the power supply to be restored anytime soon.
Traditionally, the water disappeared, but anticipating shelling, I prepared reserves of functional and drinking water for several days in advance.
Traditionally, the heating was turned down: the radiators are barely warm, though not completely cold.
Our family also prepared appropriate clothing back in autumn so that, in case the heating is cut off, it would be warm and comfortable to walk around at home: thermal underwear, various light but warm fleece clothes.
As an emergency measure, we allowed the dog to sleep with us in the bed: this is both an indicator of the humane attitude of Ukrainian society toward local fauna and also an energy-saving technology. After all, a dog is a constant source of heat with no need for batteries or generators.
The main thing that is still holding as the last fortress is the sewage system. God grant it health and resilience.
Power banks are gradually running down, the autonomous lighting in the apartment as well. But from previous years – “just in case of war” – we still have a supply of candles.
Some of them, by the way, are in the shape of the Russian Kremlin. So when such a candle burns, it adds noticeably more warmth and light than an ordinary candle.
In addition, we have our own autonomous “point of invincibility” – our car. In this islet of civilization, you can warm up, charge gadgets, and even listen to music.
There is no despair: the sun is still shining, the snow is still white and beautiful. In general, it would be a wonderful winter if not for Russia.
So despite the city being plunged into darkness, my son has a stable form of entertainment: a snow-covered hill nearby in the park, long and steep. Not even in the posh Carpathian ski resort of Bukovel can you find such a slope.
So, everything is not as bad as it might seem. Even the calendar itself is inspiring. You don’t need electricity to see that spring is coming soon. And in spring the dirty slush will vanish like dew in the sun.
Of course, all these inconveniences harden our hatred toward all Russians – the dead, the living, and the unborn. We will pass this hatred on to our children, grandchildren, and they will pass it on to theirs, forever and ever.
Iryna, 41, communications specialist, mother of two sons
Every such night is a test of mental resilience.
When on the 12th floor there is no water, no electricity, and no heat, your own home turns into a cave.
And yes, we have learned to light fires in courtyards, to run generators on balconies, but the total cold is very oppressive and causes numbness. For me personally, on a psycho-emotional level.
And when the housing maintenance service deliberately seals elevators as a way to fight debtors (who have gone abroad and clearly do not care how, in sub-freezing temperatures, children and pensioners have to walk floor after floor), you feel completely helpless.
Especially when you urgently need to go down with children because of an air raid alert and you already hear air defense working on the other side of the city.
It feels as if you’re living through an apocalyptic film in the leading role.
What saves you 100 percent are the smiles of loved ones who do not demonstrate heroism or invincibility, but simply hug you and, also going crazy from the blackout and the enemy’s combined attacks, constantly ask, “How are you?”
The mood of January is “Rage,” the task of January is “donation,” the exercise of January is “work.”
We must live and not forget to be a little kinder – starting with ourselves and toward ourselves.
Honor to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and to everyone who saves communications and our nervous system 24/7.