At a suburban Kyiv railway station, two carriages painted in the blue and white livery of Ukrainian Railways sit on the main platform, their diesel engines running as snow steadily falls. The train is not going anywhere but it is providing a vital service for dozens of people who have been left without power and basics like running water or heating.
These are Ukraine's 'Invincibility Trains', designed to boost public morale and provide some comfort as a bitter winter coincides with intensifying Russian attacks.
In one of the carriages, Alina sits watching her infant son Taras playing with toys provided by international charities who help run the service. It's winter and it's rather cold outside, says Alina which is something of an understatement. With the effect of the wind-chill, temperatures this week in Kyiv have hit -19C. It is bitterly cold.
I live in a new building on the 17th floor, but we have no elevator, no electricity and no water supply, says Alina. As Taras plays with his toys, she mentions it is also a relatively safe and comfortable place for her daughter to meet friends.
It provides a welcome distraction for Alina, whose husband works long hours in a factory. As she begins to stutter and weep recalling her 54-year-old father who was lost in the combat two years ago, her story underscores the personal toll of the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of exploiting the harsh winter to target key infrastructure. Meanwhile, Mayor Vitali Klitschko has suggested that residents, where possible, should leave the city to alleviate pressure on dwindling resources—a comment that has drawn controversy.
Despite the challenges, many in Kyiv remain resilient and continue to support each other. For some families, like Yulia and Ihor, the energy crisis has forced them to make difficult decisions, seeking warmth and safety beyond the city.
As engineers work tirelessly to repair damage from airstrikes, the reality of adapting to cold weather while facing the ravages of war weighs heavily on the shoulders of Kyiv's residents. With the frigid forecast looming, the battle for warmth and light illustrates the intersection of survival, resilience, and the ongoing conflict.
