Amid a chilling flat following Russian airstrikes disrupting the heating system, Lidia Teleschuk, a 91-year-old resident, expressed enduring the harshest winter since World War II. The recent escalation of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power and heating facilities has left Kyiv locals in darkness and cold, facing temperatures as low as -20C.
Reflecting on the dire situation, Teleschuk recalled the severe winter of 1942, emphasizing the current hardships faced by residents. The intense bombardment of the Ukrainian capital, a city Russia failed to capture at the onset of its invasion, has compelled inhabitants to seek makeshift ways to keep warm, presenting a significant challenge for vulnerable groups like the elderly.
Struggling in her powerless and cold apartment, Teleschuk demonstrated her daily routine to cope with the conditions. Describing her efforts to heat water on a gas stove for basic hygiene needs, she also repurposed hot water into makeshift heating sources using plastic bottles, albeit acknowledging their limited effectiveness in providing warmth.
With temperatures inside her living space fluctuating between 8C and 11C, Teleschuk received support from volunteers of the Starenki foundation, a charitable organization aiding the elderly with essential supplies. Grateful for the assistance, she brightened up as the program director, Alina Diachenko, gifted her a battery-operated decorative light, offering a small glimmer of comfort amidst the challenging circumstances.
