IRPIN When driving from Kyiv to Irpin, behind the infamous bridge begins an area with single-family houses and newer residential complexes. Signs of destruction can be seen everywhere.
Kristina Volkova, 24, and her husband bought a two-bedroom apartment in an apartment building in the area just a week before the Russian invasion. Their home has also been damaged.
The war prevented plans to move. The couple spent the first ten days of the attack, starting on February 24, in the bomb shelter of the man’s parents’ house and fled the occupied city on almost the last possible day.
This experience was very instructive for Volkova. When the couple was finally able to move into their new apartment, they started stocking the emergency room.
– It is located next to the entrance and all kinds of supplies are stored in it in case of an emergency. It’s a pity that we didn’t have one then in the spring, says Volkova.
The cupboard contains long-lasting food, medicines, hygiene items and detergent that does not require water, tape to protect windows and sleeping bags.
A large part of the accessories is intended for electricity and gas outages: spare batteries, flashlights, batteries, travel radio and even a small gas stove with gas bottles. These have already proven their necessity, because the electricity in Irpin often goes out.
Russia is systematically destroying the energy infrastructure
President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has told On Twitter (you will switch to another service)that Russia’s missile and drone strikes in recent weeks destroyed 30 percent of Ukraine’s power plants.
After the attacks, a massive electricity saving campaign began in the country: street lighting is either dimmed or gone, citizens and businesses are advised not to use devices that consume a lot of electricity.
– These are not complete destructions, but different degrees of damage to both the production facilities and the backbone network. In the majority of localities, electricity was successfully restored very quickly after the attacks, says the director of energy research at the Razumkov Center Volodymyr Omelchenko.
The center conducts independent economic and political research.
According to Omelchenko, Ukraine’s energy system has so far withstood the attacks, although they were clearly more systematic than before. But the resilience of the system is not final: if the shocks continue, some areas may be completely without electricity.
– There is only one countermeasure to this: Ukraine desperately needs anti-aircraft systems suitable for destroying drones.
Supplements are made gradually
There have been no attacks on Irpin recently. Nevertheless, Kristina Volkova expects that she may have to survive without electricity for long periods of time. The couple has also reserved enough drinking water in case of a water outage.
The emergency room is gradually replenished, as part of each salary goes to emergency needs. The couple orders the goods online after comparing prices. Their dream is to get at least a diesel generator and a bigger solar cell charger.
– We have thought about an action plan in case of an emergency. Planning is so far difficult because we don’t know what kind of danger could be involved. But at least there are iodine tablets in stock, says Volkova.
They are new in the house and haven’t had time to get to know the neighbors yet, but surely with time the neighbors will also become a safety net in an emergency, adds Volkova.
Ordinary city dwellers have few means in case of power outages
Volodymyr Omelchenko says that Ukrainians living in apartment buildings have few ways to prepare for possible power outages. Everything essential depends on the actions of the authorities and the energy sector, as well as air defense.
– But even ordinary citizens can do something useful, for example, reduce electricity consumption, increase thermal insulation and wear warm clothes.
Another situation is for people who have a detached house or a cottage, says Omelchenko. They can prepare for winter by getting generators, heating boilers or wood briquettes.
Although the attacks carried out by Russia do not seem to discourage the Ukrainians, the damage caused to the energy system can significantly affect the situation at the front, Omelchenko estimates.
– A large part of weapon deliveries goes along the railways, so any disruptions are of great importance. In addition, attacks can damage communication and command systems.
Candles for soldiers and for personal use
Kristina Volkova says that a new possible attack from the direction of Belarus no longer scares her.
– We have already gotten used to living with two such unpredictable neighbors. However, we believe in the Ukrainian Defense Forces and we must help them in every way possible.
And that’s what he does every day by making special, so-called “trench candles” for the needs of the army. They resemble outdoor candles, do not go out in the wind and burn long and strong enough to heat food.
– We have an assembly line here. I melt wax and paraffin in a kettle on the stove, my husband cuts cardboard boxes into pieces and my sister puts the pieces of cardboard into empty cans, Volkova describes the work process.
The supplies for making candles are purchased both with your own money and with donations. The finished candles are sent to the units of familiar soldiers. Some remain for your own use and that of your friends.
Volkova comes from the city of Svatove in the Luhansk region, which was conquered by Russia only this year. Volkova’s sister was able to be evacuated to Kyiv in the spring, but the parents remained in the occupied territory.
– We really hope that the city will be liberated soon and that my parents will be able to visit us for the New Year.
You can discuss the topic on 26.10. until 11 p.m.
Read more:
Russia is bombing Ukraine’s energy facilities
Prime Minister: Ukraine has maintained energy security after the Russian attacks
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