The key facts

  • In the Kyiv residential complex Novyi Avtograf, light and heating have been out for a third day, with apartments at around 13 ℃
  • Residents blocked a pedestrian crossing and are not letting cars through
  • Klitschko: the city needs 2 GW, and generators cannot cover such a demand

Protest over power outages

Residents of one of Kyiv's residential complexes blocked a road in protest over the lack of light and heat for several days. This was reported by the Ukrainian outlet Strana.ua citing a publication by Gazeta.Ru. In the Novyi Avtograf residential complex, electricity and heating have been out for a third day; residents complain that the temperature in their apartments has dropped to 13 ℃. People blocked one of the pedestrian crossings and are not letting cars through.

Officials' assessments

The action took place against the backdrop of sharp statements by Ukrainian officials about the situation in the capital. The day before, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the situation with electricity and water supply in Kyiv the 'worst'. The same day, the city's mayor Vitali Klitschko said that Kyiv will not be able to provide itself with electricity using generators alone: according to him, many consider them a panacea capable of replacing central power supply, but the city needs 2 GW of electricity, and it is impossible to fully cover such a need with generators. Earlier, Kyiv residents had already held street protests over the situation in the city.