Cold

 

The temperature of -19°C is shown on the House of Trade Unions, next to the Independence Monument on Independence Square, Kyiv, 15 January (Getty Images/AFP/Sergei).

According to ChatGPT, linguists generally say that, across all human languages, there are likely hundreds, possible thousands, of words for snow and ice, and as many or more for describing cold, although I don't feel that we use many of them. My favourite for feeling extremely cold is "bone chilling," which is what we're experiencing now in the depths of winter in Ukraine. Today's daytime temperature of - 11/- 12 degrees centigrade is about my lower limit for being able to walk around comfortably, with all my layers, including a thick winter coat and good boots...

These are the temperatures here in Kharkiv for the next week.

So far, I'm lucky to be able to return to a cosy, warm apartment, although who knows for how long? In Kharkiv, on 15 January, Russian strikes destroyed a large critical energy infrastructure facility. 400,000 people were left without electricity and heating. Over the last few weeks Russian forces relentlessly attacked energy infrastructure in Kyiv and the country, with missiles and drones, leaving around 70% of the capital without power on 13 January. A friend in Kyiv yesterday said that she had no electricity, heating or water. The sub zero temperatures make it difficult for energy workers to repair the damage and replacement equipment is running out. Ukraine's Security Service said Russia's ongoing strikes against energy infrastructure amount to "crimes against humanity." On 14 January, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a state of emergency in the energy sector, with particular attention to Kyiv.

https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-energy-crisis-extremely-serious-as-sbu-presents-evidence-of-crime-against-humanity/

The Mayor of Kharkiv, Ігор Терехов (Ihor Terehov), wrote on Telegram that "there is not a single intact power plant left in Ukraine. Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa and most frontline communities..."

I cannot imagine how I would cope for long periods without heating, in these temperatures. Electricity is equally important for people who live on the top floors of high rise buildings that are completely dependent on electricity: without it, the heating doesn't work and the elevators/lifts don't go up/down, which is particularly difficult for the elderly and/or disabled. Water, if there is any, only reaches the 12th floor because the pumps are no longer able to pump it out. Most ovens/cookers are powered by electricity. Water is vital for everyone, even more for those with greater hygiene needs, such as babies and adults who are incontinent.

But people find ways of coping. In the first winter of the full-scale invasion (2022 - 23) many cities established "Invincibility Points," where people could come to get warm, have a hot drink, charge their phones etc. Now, many of them have become established fixtures.

A government-run humanitarian aid point in Kyiv (Reuters)

There is even an Invincibility Train in Kyiv!

Individuals also find ways of coping, e.g. by having a portable gas stove, if they can afford it (I have one, too).

("This is not the apocalypse yet." How Kyiv lives without electricity and heating in 15-degree frosts, Suspilne news online, 15 January)

For soldiers on the frontline, of course, winter presents an ongoing battle for survival against the cold, alongside bombs and bullets. Funding campaigns for providing soldiers with adequate winter clothing are vital.

Hell's Kitchen Update

We're lucky to still have a healthy roster of foreign volunteers and, as usual, a fully international crew - one day, for the first time, we had an all Spanish-speaking (apart from the Ukrainian baker) bakery crew, with volunteers from Spain and Mexico. Most volunteers go out of their way to help as much as possible, including beyond their daily tasks. After the daily cooking in the Kitchen is done, volunteers often make cookies to deliver to ambulance units or to medical service workers at a recent bomb site.

Donations

Thank you, as always, for your donations; however small, they are always effective.

Hell's Kitchen and Franklin's Support Kitchen teamed up to support an International Legion platoon of the 33rd Separate  Assault Brigade. They used donated funds to ship 27 tourniquets, 39 thermal wear sets, hygiene and medical items, gloves, hats and gaiters to them. In addition, they ordered a pair of boots and 30 fleece jackets.  

Adults4Children, Kharkiv is seeking donations for:

Infant formula milk

Baby vegetable and fruit purees

Adult diapers

Despite the cold, or perhaps because of it, Shevchenko Park is beautiful in the snow. The Christmas decorations are still up and probably will be for a few weeks longer, bringing a cheery brightness that's much needed (although I think it's time for the Christmas music to be switched off!)

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and thanks, also, for comments.

To make a donation to the regular causes I support, please open PayPal and, when asked for email, enter sunflower_house@hotmail.co.uk

You can specify where you would like your donation to go, including whether or not you wish to support a civilian only cause; otherwise I will send the money where I think the need is greatest:

Adults For Children supports children's physical and emotional well being in Kharkiv, and also local soldiers.

Hell's Kitchen cooks daily, nutritious meals and bakes bread, for hospitals, wounded soldiers and others in need.

Franklin, Hell's Kitchen foreign volunteer coordinator, supports soldiers and medics on the frontline.

Inna runs a small group of volunteers who make camouflage nets, ghillie suits and stretchers.

If you would like to donate to a charity that supports animals, there is Animal Rescue Kharkiv.