Critical Infrastructure in Kyiv Targeted
A large-scale attack on Kyiv's critical infrastructure during the night of February 3rd has left more than 1,100 apartment buildings in two districts without heating. As of the morning of February 3rd, the number of affected multi-story buildings stood at 1,170. The assault also resulted in injuries to five city residents, including a man and a woman who were hospitalized with lacerations. These attacks on energy and heating systems have become a grim feature of the winter months in Ukraine.
Emergency Response and Wider Impact
The attack impacted the Darnytskyi and Dniprovskyi districts. In response, authorities have established additional heating points:
- 5 in Darnytskyi district;
- 4 in Dniprovskyi district.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that water was drained from the heating systems in these buildings in the morning to prevent pipes from freezing. To provide warmth for residents, 36 State Emergency Service heating points are operational across 20 locations in Darnytskyi district, and 27 points across 20 locations in Dniprovskyi district.
The damage was not confined to Kyiv. Other regions, including Kyiv Oblast, Dnipro, Sumy, Konotop, and Kharkiv, were also hit. In Konotop, the attack damaged a children's educational institution, private homes, and other facilities. The addresses of all heating points can be found on the official portal of the Kyiv City Administration.
This massive attack on critical infrastructure underscores the vulnerability of urban heating systems, particularly during the winter season.
— Vitali Klitschko
Authorities in Kyiv and other affected regions are taking measures to ensure the safety and comfort of residents by setting up heating points and preventing heating systems from freezing. The ongoing situation highlights the persistent threats to the civilian population, demanding swift and coordinated action from state and local government bodies.