Struggling Through Bitter Cold: Kyiv's Response to Ongoing Russian Strikes

Wed Jan 14 2026 18:04:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As temperatures plummet to -19C amid ongoing Russian attacks, Kyiv residents find solace in 'Invincibility Trains' that serve as refuge and a symbol of resilience.

Kyiv faces harsh winter temperatures and the challenges of ongoing Russian assaults, leaving many residents without basic utilities. In response, the Ukrainian government has launched 'Invincibility Trains' to provide warmth and community support. Families like Alina's seek refuge aboard these trains, highlighting the dual burden of war and winter. The mayor's controversial suggestion for residents to temporarily leave the city underscores the unfolding energy crisis, as the impact of airstrikes worsens power outages across the city. Despite hardships, the spirit of Kyiv's residents remains resilient.

As snow blankets Kyiv and temperatures plunge to -19°C, residents grapple with the dual challenges of a brutal winter and relentless Russian attacks. At a suburban railway station, two blue and white carriages of the Ukrainian Railways stand ready, not for transit but to serve as vital 'Invincibility Trains', providing warmth and morale to those without power, water, or heating.

Alina, a mother watching her son Taras play with toys supplied by charities, expresses gratitude for the warmth amidst the freezing temperatures and tells her story of hardship. Her family's building is without electricity and water, posing significant challenges as she navigates motherhood in these difficult times.

Alina’s emotions spill over as she remembers her father, who lost his life at the front, highlighting the personal toll of the ongoing conflict amid the cold. Despite her struggles, she finds hope in the small joys the train offers, as it provides a distraction from the harsh reality of nightly airstrikes.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of using the harsh winter strategically to target crucial infrastructure, further complicating residents' lives. Mayor Vitali Klitschko has controversially suggested that those who can leave Kyiv should do so, a statement that has attracted criticism and raised anxiety about the city’s condition.

In the face of severe energy shortages, many like Ihor and Yulia have decided to temporarily relocate their family outside the city, aiming for a brief respite from the problems caused by the ongoing war and energy crisis. The couple struggles without power, focusing on keeping their baby warm in an aging apartment building.

On another cold day, engineers tirelessly work to restore power and repair damaged infrastructure, highlighting the persistent impact of Russian bombings on the city's resources. Even in these trying times, the people of Kyiv demonstrate a remarkable resilience, determined to endure through both the cruelty of war and the bitter winds of winter.

As schools remain closed and families adapt to life without reliable power, the 'Invincibility Trains' stand as a beacon of hope and solidarity. Whether seeking warmth or companionship, the communal spirit does not falter, even as the threat of air raids looms large. They vow to return to the train each day, cherishing the brief moments of comfort it provides amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life in wartime Kyiv.