Cold & dark: Kyiv residents prepare for 'worst winter'

“Russian strikes are plunging Ukraine into the Stone Age”

Kyiv: When the power is out, as it so often is, the high-rise apartment overlooking Ukraine’s capital feels like a deathtrap. No lights, no water, no way to cook food. And the risk of not being able to escape from the 21st floor in time should a Russian missile strike. Even when electricity comes back, it’s never on for long.

“Russian strikes are plunging Ukraine into the Stone Age,” said Anastasia Pyrozhenko. In a recent 24-hour spell, her 26-storey high-rise only had power for half an hour. “We’re preparing for the worst winter of our lives,” she said.

The situation in Kyiv, and other cities has deteriorated following the largest missile attack on the country’s power grid on Tuesday. President Zelensky said over 10 million Ukrainians were left without electricity after the strikes.