Volunteers Deploy Warming Shelters in Kyiv as State Winter Preparedness Fails
In a recent interview with political analyst Yuriy Romanenko, Dmytro Ivanov, co-founder of the volunteer movement 'Dobrobat,' criticized Ukraine's preparations for the heating season. Ivanov argued that the state failed to adequately prepare for winter, creating a need for the autonomous warming centers now operating in Kyiv with support from Estonian partners, including NGO Mondo and the Estonian government. This situation highlights the severe strain on Ukraine's energy infrastructure following targeted attacks.
Operation of the Warming Centers
The shelters have been set up in the Troieshchyna and Holosiivo districts. They provide heating, electricity, internet, children's areas, and food. According to Ivanov, these centers serve an average of about 10,000 people daily. Meals for visitors are prepared at School No. 320 and from a food truck. These measures became necessary due to insufficient state-level preparation, which has caused public concern.
Dmytro Ivanov: 'We needed to think about [winter] a year and a half ago, two years ago, a year ago, and prepare. Not heroically overcome problems now.'
He also questioned why Chernihiv has bans on individual heating, while other cities like Ternopil and Mykolaiv have created 'energy islands' that ensure better readiness for the winter period.
'Dobrobat' volunteers provide comfortable conditions where children can engage in origami and receive psychological support. 'There is light here, it's very convenient... warm, comfortable, all certified equipment,' Ivanov noted. Safety is a priority for the team, which works on restoration and ensuring secure conditions for people.
He further emphasized the critical importance of decentralizing energy generation, stressing the need to diversify risks and increase autonomy for homes and hospitals. 'If there is to be a thousand times, a hundred times more thermal and electrical generation, more resources are needed for that,' Ivanov stated. The volunteer movement's slogan, 'Donate your time,' calls on people not only to provide financial support but also to actively join the work.
Thus, the situation with heating season preparations in Ukraine is alarming, forcing volunteers to act where state bodies could not ensure an adequate level of readiness for winter.
The 'Dobrobat' volunteer movement demonstrates the vital role of civic initiative when the state's response to energy supply challenges falls short. The warming centers in Kyiv are not just places to find warmth but also an example of how society can independently respond to crises. This underscores the need for more active community involvement in solving social problems and the importance of preparing for similar challenges in the future.