Russia's relentless assault on Ukraine has taken a devastating toll on the country's civilians. The latest attack on eastern Kyiv saw Russian drones strike an apartment building, shattering windows and walls, with one blast killing a 56-year-old emergency medic and wounding his colleagues.
The assault was part of a larger campaign that has left millions without heat, power, or running water. As winter temperatures plummet to minus 10 degrees Celsius, roads and the Dnipro River have been blanketed with thick ice. The situation is particularly dire in regions less damaged by the conflict, where hypothermia-related deaths are on the rise.
At least 10 "white deaths" from hypothermia have been reported in Ternopil and Rivne regions, where infrastructure is relatively intact. This number could be close to 200 when considering millions of Ukrainians displaced since 2022, many of whom live in Russia-occupied areas.
The struggle for warmth is a constant, exhausting ordeal for those left behind. Residents are forced to scrounge for alternative heat sources, from gas-guzzling generators to makeshift stoves. Yelena Hodarenko's apartment building has had no central heating since mid-January, leaving her and fellow residents huddled under thin blankets in icy darkness.
Her story is not unique. Millions are struggling to cope with the relentless cold, with some forced to endure 24-hour power outages that leave them feeling like they're "in a coffin." Despite the chaos, medical teams are doing everything possible to keep people warm, distributing hot meals and emergency rations to those in need.
The situation is further complicated by the psychological toll of living under siege. Millions are lying awake at night, listening to the constant hum of drones and missiles above them. The consequences on cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing have been severe, with many struggling to cope with the stress of daily life.
As the winter months drag on, Ukraine's civilians face an unrelenting battle for survival – one that threatens to claim even more lives in the coming weeks.
The assault was part of a larger campaign that has left millions without heat, power, or running water. As winter temperatures plummet to minus 10 degrees Celsius, roads and the Dnipro River have been blanketed with thick ice. The situation is particularly dire in regions less damaged by the conflict, where hypothermia-related deaths are on the rise.
At least 10 "white deaths" from hypothermia have been reported in Ternopil and Rivne regions, where infrastructure is relatively intact. This number could be close to 200 when considering millions of Ukrainians displaced since 2022, many of whom live in Russia-occupied areas.
The struggle for warmth is a constant, exhausting ordeal for those left behind. Residents are forced to scrounge for alternative heat sources, from gas-guzzling generators to makeshift stoves. Yelena Hodarenko's apartment building has had no central heating since mid-January, leaving her and fellow residents huddled under thin blankets in icy darkness.
Her story is not unique. Millions are struggling to cope with the relentless cold, with some forced to endure 24-hour power outages that leave them feeling like they're "in a coffin." Despite the chaos, medical teams are doing everything possible to keep people warm, distributing hot meals and emergency rations to those in need.
The situation is further complicated by the psychological toll of living under siege. Millions are lying awake at night, listening to the constant hum of drones and missiles above them. The consequences on cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing have been severe, with many struggling to cope with the stress of daily life.
As the winter months drag on, Ukraine's civilians face an unrelenting battle for survival – one that threatens to claim even more lives in the coming weeks.
Russia is just getting worse and worse... like what even is going on with these people? First they're waging war, now they're cutting off heat and power... it's just so uncalled for! 
And to think millions of Ukrainians are suffering through this, some of them literally freezing their butts off while others have to scrounge around for alternative heat sources. It's like, what even is the point? 
My heart goes out to Yelena Hodarenko and everyone else who's going through this... it's just so unfair 
. The whole situation is just a mess, and I'm worried about those Ukrainian civilians... winter is already bad enough without all this added stress! 
10 deaths from hypothermia already & its only january?? thats just crazy!!! 
the psychological toll too... ppl r being held hostage by fear of drones & missiles it's like they're livin in a war zone but theres no war 
thats some next level stress 
. And the psychological toll of living under siege is real 
. I'm seriously worried about Ukraine's civilians right now...
I'm so worried about these people, my heart goes out to them 
.