Kharkiv: A Successful Example of Winter Preparation
Kharkiv has become the only city in Ukraine that has successfully prepared for winter amid a general municipal collapse. The city, located in close proximity to the front line, is equipped with backup power for its water supply system and is ready for emergencies. The head of the Union of Consumers of Utility Services, Oleg Popenko, noted that preparations for winter in Kharkiv began as early as 2022, which has been a key factor in its success.
According to Popenko, the city brought in an excess of generators and mobile boiler houses, which allowed it to avoid chaos after attacks on infrastructure. The water supply system in Kharkiv is 100% powered by backup sources, which is a crucial component in the current situation in the country. Meanwhile, in Kyiv, generators for water utilities were only procured starting in October 2025, and in Kryvyi Rih, generators for water utilities were not planned.
Effectiveness and Strategic Planning
- The water supply system in Kharkiv successfully switched to alternative sources after strikes on CHP-5.
- Effective collaboration with international donors also contributed to the city's preparations for the winter period.
Thus, Kharkiv demonstrated efficiency in ensuring the city's viability, contrasting with the situation in other regions of Ukraine.
The preparation of Kharkiv for the winter season in wartime underscores the importance of strategic planning and timely responses to challenges. - Oleg Popenko
In conditions where other cities are facing difficulties in providing utility services, Kharkiv's success can serve as a model for other regions in Ukraine. Given the ongoing threat from Russian aggression, such initiatives are critically important for maintaining the viability of urban infrastructures.