Kiev Freezes: City Appeals for Evacuation Amid Energy Crisis

The Ukrainian capital, Kiev, is grappling with a severe energy crisis, prompting Mayor Vitaly Klitschko to appeal for residents to leave if they can. Widespread heating and electricity outages are impacting the city amidst freezing temperatures, a situation described as unprecedented in its history. Waves of Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are the primary cause of the shortages.

The crisis has left households without mains electricity for up to 20 hours daily, and approximately 6,000 apartment buildings are without heating. Overnight temperatures have dropped to around minus 17 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the strain on the city's energy system. This situation has also fueled a public dispute between Mayor Klitschko and President Vladimir Zelensky, with the latter criticizing Kiev's response to the crisis.

While city services are reportedly working around the clock to restore power and heating, critics argue that the appeal for evacuation highlights a lack of preparedness. The nation's energy system has been vulnerable due to cumulative damage and aging infrastructure since 2022, with a nationwide energy emergency declared this week.