Frozen in Kyiv: Volunteers Rush to Aid Residents Left Without Heat

Volunteers in Kyiv’s Desnyanskyi district are racing against time to help residents left without heating after Russian strikes knocked out the local combined heat and power plant, leaving many in subzero temperatures.

“The CHP is completely out of service, and we don’t know if it will be restored by the next heating season,” said Adelina, 25, a volunteer with the Leaders of Changes foundation who is working in the area.

“There are many elderly residents who cannot even leave their homes because elevators, electricity, and heating are all down.”

Volunteers are providing food packages, hot meals, and essential supplies to people with limited mobility. Government-backed “heat boxes,” containing power banks, socks, flashlights, candles, and sleeping bags, have also been distributed to help residents survive the harsh winter.

“The situation is very difficult. It’s extremely cold outside, and many people are vulnerable,” Adelina said. “We are seeing the same challenges in other districts, like Dniprovskyi and Darnytskyi districts, where our teams are also working.”

Local organizations and international partners, including UN OCHA, Shelter Cluster (UNHCR), UNICEF’s Wash Cluster, IMC Health Cluster, Caritas Kyiv, and the Danish Red Cross, are providing support and donating essential supplies to help volunteers aid residents.

Volunteers and schools are working around the clock to provide shelter and prepare up to 15,000 hot meals daily.

“In Desnyansky, people are coming out to get hot meals and can spend the night in schools,” Adelina said. “Volunteers are working non-stop to make sure no one is left without help.”