Consequences of the Attack on Thermal Power Plant No. 6
An attack on January 24, 2026, targeting Kyiv's Thermal Power Plant No. 6 (TEC-6) has left the Troieshchyna residential district in the Desnianskyi area without heating. This has deprived approximately 600 apartment buildings of essential utilities, including electricity and water supply. The situation is particularly severe as Troieshchyna relies entirely on this single source for its heating, forcing residents to endure temperatures as low as -14 degrees Celsius. This incident highlights the severe vulnerability of civilian energy infrastructure during wartime.
Government Response and Resident Needs
Authorities have implemented emergency measures to support the population. Ten support centers have been established in local schools, with a capacity to shelter up to 30,000 people. A further 40 educational institutions are on standby to be used if required. Additionally, vulnerable individuals with serious health conditions have begun to be evacuated to sanatoriums to ensure their safety and comfort.
"Half a million people are left without heating in a -14°C freeze. The thermal power plant is definitely not supplying heat. They are trying to restore supply to the Lisovy district through other sources, but for Troieshchyna, there are none."
Maksym Bakhmatov, local activist
Currently, the most urgent needs among residents are:
- Fuel
- Firewood
- Portable toilets
- Food for people at the support centers
A new shipment of generators from the European Union is expected to arrive in Ukraine within the next week, which may partially alleviate the situation for Troieshchyna's residents. Many are choosing to remain in their homes despite the hardship, as one resident explained: "We are not leaving; my children, my mother are here in Kyiv. Everyone must understand that life can be uncomfortable due to the martial law and the rockets."
This crisis underscores the fragility of critical infrastructure in conflict zones, where vital public services can be disrupted by attacks. While authorities are attempting to address the population's needs, Troieshchyna's total dependence on one heating source jeopardizes the lives and health of many. The arrival of international aid, such as the promised generators, represents a crucial step in managing this emergency.