A Nine-Year-Old's Winter Mission: How Zakhar Supports Neighbors Without Heat

Zakhar Kyryliuk's Community Support

According to Главком: Following a strike on Kyiv's Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant on February 3, over 1,100 buildings in the capital were left without heating. The damage to the plant's systems and equipment is expected to take at least two months to repair, barring further attacks. In response, a 'Point of Invincibility'-a community support hub-has been established with international aid, including support from Germany, the Ukrainian Red Cross, and volunteers. It is here that nine-year-old Kyiv resident Zakhar Kyryliuk now spends his time, helping his neighbors cope with the outages. These resilience hubs are a common feature across Ukraine, providing essential services during infrastructure disruptions.

The son of Marianna Kyryliuk, a podiatrist, Zakhar is an active helper at the center. He serves tea and assists people with charging their phones. A key motivation for his visits is to maintain a connection with his father, who is currently serving on the front lines. 'When the power is out, my phone battery runs low. I come to the Point of Invincibility so that if my dad calls, I can be there to talk to him,' the boy explains.

Volunteering and the Vital Need for Connection

Zakhar's commitment to helping others is not new. At just six years old, he accompanied his mother to a military hospital in the capital, where she treated soldiers' feet. 'My mom is a podiatrist; she treated the fighters' feet and did pedicures. I went with her and handed out treats to boost their spirits,' he recalls. His mother, Marianna, emphasizes the critical importance of staying connected, as her husband is involved in evacuation efforts and cannot always reach the family. 'It is extremely important for us to stay in touch because my husband is on evacuation duty and he doesn't always have the chance to call us,' she says.

Zakhar plans to continue his work at the support point. He states that he spent all his school holidays there and intends to do his homework there in the future while helping others. 'I spent all my holidays there and from now on I will do my lessons there and help people. Charge my phone and talk to my dad,' the boy adds. In this way, Zakhar Kyryliuk not only sustains his family bonds but also actively contributes to supporting his community during a difficult time.

This story highlights how, even in the most challenging circumstances, young people can play a significant role in supporting their communities. Zakhar serves as an example of resilience and compassion, demonstrating that even small acts of aid can hold great meaning for those enduring hardship. His active involvement in volunteering also underscores the importance of societal solidarity during a crisis.