Braving -25°C and flooded conditions, a State Emergency Service colonel restored heating for Kyiv

Colonel Artur Donya's role in the aftermath of the strike

According to МВС: Colonel Artur Donya, who leads the Regional Center for Emergency Management at the Main Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kyiv, joined the response to the January 2026 attack on the city's CHP-5 and CHP-6 plants. Working in temperatures as low as -25°C and often in water, his team repaired damaged pipelines while facing the risk of structural collapse.

Donya has served in the emergency services since 2000. His career has been marked by a strong devotion to protecting people in crises, and his story appears in the "Heroes" series on the YouTube channel of Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The heroism of Ukraine's rescue workers

What Donya did after the strike on the thermal plants is a clear example of the courage and skill that Ukrainian rescuers bring to their work. It also underscores how crucial it is for civil protection units to be ready for emergencies, especially when extreme cold makes an already dangerous situation even harder.

The "Heroes" project aims to show the public what these professionals face and how dedicated they are, strengthening public awareness and support for their work.

In light of Colonel Donya's remarkable efforts in restoring heating amidst extreme conditions, it is essential to recognize the broader challenges faced by emergency responders in Ukraine. For instance, another harrowing tale from the frontline highlights how one rescuer bravely protected his team from a drone attack, preventing a potential gas station explosion. This incident sheds light on the immense risks these professionals encounter daily. To read more about this courageous act, visit the story of a rescuer's bravery.