Kyiv Residents Urged to Insulate Basements Before Deep Freeze Hits

Call for Basement Preparation

According to Главком: Maksym Bakhmatov, head of the Desnianskyi District State Administration, has urged Kyiv residents and heads of homeowners' associations (OSBB) to use the period before a cold snap to prepare their basements. He stressed that insulating pipes is particularly critical to prevent them from freezing during a sharp temperature drop. Temperatures in the capital are already near freezing, and meteorologists forecast a significant drop over the weekend. This warning comes as the city's infrastructure remains fragile following a major attack.

The situation with utilities in the Desnianskyi district deteriorated after an attack on January 24, 2026. As a result, about 600 high-rise buildings in the Troieshchyna area were left without electricity, water, and heating. As of today, 737 residential buildings remain without heat, the majority of which are located in the Desnianskyi district. The TEC-6 combined heat and power plant was disabled during the attack, further complicating the capital's heating supply. In the near future, Kyiv will return to scheduled power outage schedules.

Recommendations for Residents

Maksym Bakhmatov emphasized the importance of timely preparation for frost, stating:

“We need to get the message across to people: if the temperature drops to -15°C, preventing pipes from freezing is only possible with advance preparation.”

Among the recommendations for Kyiv residents is insulating pipes, which is the most effective solution. It is advised to use energy-flex or polyethylene foam with a thickness of 9–20 mm, as well as mineral wool combined with waterproofing.

Furthermore, it is important to insulate risers and horizontal sections of the sewer system, especially near the building entrance, at bends and joints. It is necessary to seal vents and cracks, as 90% of freezing occurs due to drafts. Ventilation openings should be closed for the winter, leaving the possibility for minimal air exchange. Cracks in basement doors should be sealed with mounting foam to prevent cold air from entering.

• Check the humidity level in the basement, as moisture can lead to ice formation.
• Eliminate any pipe leaks and ensure minimal drainage if there is standing water in the basement.
• During frosty days, increase monitoring of the basement's condition by conducting regular inspections.

If pipes are cold, it is necessary to react immediately, without waiting for a burst to occur. Thus, timely preparation will help avoid serious problems during the winter period.

Preparing for the winter season is critically important for ensuring resident comfort, especially under conditions where the heating system has already sustained significant damage. Calls to insulate basements and pipes are vital measures to prevent further issues, given that a significant portion of residential buildings in the Desnianskyi district have already suffered from service disruptions. Successfully implementing these recommendations could substantially ease the burden on utility services and reduce risks associated with the cold.