Ukraine: Winter under pressure as cities struggle with energy shortages

In early February, the Darnytska Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHPP-4) — one of the Kyiv’s key facilities — was rendered non-operational following an attack. It had supplied heat to more than 1,100 apartment buildings in the Dniprovskyi and Darnytskyi districts, covering around 8% of Kyiv’s residential area and serving about 500,000 people.

“Both the school and the surrounding residential buildings were connected to CHPP-4, which was completely shut down. As a result, almost the entire neighbourhood — parts of the Dniprovskyi and Darnytskyi districts — was left without heating during severe frost,” explains Nataliia, Head of the Education Department of Kyiv’s Dniprovskyi District.

As a result, the situation in Kyiv and the surrounding Oblast became the most critical. From 13 January, emergency power outages were introduced, with electricity available for only a few hours at a time, followed by long periods without supply.

Points of Invincibility: Spaces of warmth and support

In these conditions, Points of Invincibility became a vital lifeline for communities. Set up in schools, administrative buildings and emergency facilities, these spaces provide warmth, electricity, internet access, drinking water and hot drinks during prolonged power cuts.

“People come because they need very basic things — to charge their phones, to boil water, to heat up food,” Nataliia says.

Some schools host several Points of Invincibility across different buildings. They are open not only to students and staff, but also to residents of nearby neighbourhoods affected by power and heating outages.

A school as a shelter: When warmth is not at home

Due to continued attacks on the capital, the Dniprovskyi district of Kyiv has one of the highest numbers of buildings without central heating and, in some areas, without gas supply. In parts of the district, indoor temperatures do not exceed +10°C.

Conditions remain challenging even inside schools.

“Even now, the temperature in the building does not rise above 12 degrees, especially in large corridors and classrooms,” Nataliia explains. School management has designated heated areas using heaters and heat guns to make it more comfortable for people staying inside.

Microwaves are in constant use. “They have almost become disposable items. People come to heat food because they simply cannot do it at home,” she adds.

During air raid alerts, many residents also come to schools to shelter. At the same time, school administrations are trying to gradually warm the buildings to enable children to return to in-person learning.

Some families have temporarily left the city, particularly those whose homes depended on CHPP-4 for heating.

Practical support where it is needed most

To respond to these urgent needs, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), with funding from the European Union, has supported Points of Invincibility in Kyiv with essential non-food items and equipment.

This includes household appliances such as kettles and microwaves, drinking water and hot beverages, hygiene items, cleaning supplies and basic equipment needed to keep the spaces functioning safely and continuously.

Across the supported Points of Invincibility, around 2,500 people seek warmth and support every day, with several hundred staying overnight — many coming from areas without gas heating, including vulnerable individuals and families with children.

“We provide essential household and non-food items — water, basic food supplies, and appliances for heating food or water. In these conditions, this support is extremely important,” says Bohdan, DRC Emergency Specialist.

One of the supported Points of Invincibility operates in a Kyiv gymnasium, where people can not only warm up during the day but, if necessary, stay overnight. “Around 100 people come here every day. Last week alone, nearly 600 people found warmth here — both physical and emotional — and they are deeply grateful to everyone who supports us,” says Oksana, the school’s director.

Points of Invincibility based in schools remain crucial for communities throughout the winter. Similar emergency support by DRC teams is also being provided in Kharkiv, Kherson and Donetsk oblasts.